Johnnie Walker Advert Description
Publication: The Illustrated London News
Date: October 31, 1925
Title: Born 1820 – Still Going Strong
Visual Description:
The advert features an illustration of a seal engraving workshop, part of the “Old Craft Series.” Johnnie Walker, depicted in his signature Victorian-era outfit with a top hat and cane, is observing a craftsman at work. The craftsman, dressed in work clothes, is meticulously engraving a seal using traditional tools. The workshop setting, with its detailed equipment and materials, emphasizes the precision and craftsmanship involved in the trade.
Caption/Text in the Advert:
“Born 1820
—Still going strong!”
Main Text:
“SEAL ENGRAVING had its humble origin in the rude scratchings and clay impressions used by earliest ‘private owners’ in identifying their property. The use of seals in Egypt is anterior to the Third Dynasty, when the ‘Sealer of the Honey’ was a high government official; and in Babylonian cylinder seals, fashionable during Nebuchadnezzar’s reign, appeared 3,000 years B.C. Royal seals have been continuously used in England since Edward the Confessor probably imitated the French practice, but there is proof also of their use by Anglo-Saxon kings. The seal which Offa, King of Mercia, 8th century, used in confirming a grant of land to the Abbey of St. Denis, still exists.”
Brand Slogan:
“Pride of Production is the Stimulus of True Craftsmanship—hence the Superiority of ‘Johnnie Walker.'”
Company Information:
John Walker & Sons, Ltd., Scotch Whisky Distillers, Kilmarnock, Scotland.
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Welcome to The Whiskey Wash Vintage Johnnie Walker Advert Archive
This archive presents a collection of over 100 adverts for Johnnie Walker, spanning from the 1910s to the 1960s. It captures a dynamic period in global history, marked by profound political and social changes, including two World Wars, the Great Depression, the rise and fall of empires, and the dawn of the Cold War. These events profoundly shaped societal attitudes and lifestyles, mirrored by the mid-20th century movements like the civil rights struggle, decolonization in Africa and Asia, and significant technological and cultural advances, reflecting a world rapidly evolving in its complexity and interconnectedness.
The impact of these global events on whisky production, advertising, and commerce was substantial. Resource scarcities and economic challenges during the World Wars and the Great Depression necessitated innovations in marketing and production efficiency. Following the war, the economic boom, increased global affluence, and the expansion of mass media enabled whisky brands like Johnnie Walker to engage a broader audience through increasingly sophisticated advertising campaigns. This era also witnessed the ascension of consumer culture and branding as pivotal elements of commerce, with companies using evolving advertising techniques to cultivate brand identity and foster loyalty in a competitive market.
Why Johnnie Walker?
Johnnie Walker has not only been a frontrunner in the whisky industry since its establishment in 1820 but has also played a pivotal role in shaping the advertising world. These adverts offer more than just a glimpse into the brand’s history; they serve as a mirror reflecting societal changes, evolving marketing trends, and the artistry of generations past. From classic artwork to memorable slogans that have stood the test of time, Johnnie Walker’s global influence is undeniable.
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To ensure that this archive serves as a valuable resource for everyone—from researchers and students to whisky aficionados and art lovers—we are offering it under a Creative Commons license. This means that you are free to use, share, and adapt the content for any purpose, even commercially, provided you give appropriate credit.
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Dive into our collection to explore the rich visual and historical aspects of Johnnie Walker adverts. Whether you’re here to draw inspiration, conduct academic research, or simply admire the artistry, this archive is yours to explore.
Thank you for visiting, and we hope you find these glimpses into the past both educational and inspiring.
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