Johnnie Walker Advert Description
Publication: The Illustrated London News
Date: June 13, 1925
Title: Born 1820 – Still Going Strong
Visual Description:
The advert features an illustration of a rustic wood-turning 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 who is working on a lathe. The craftsman, dressed in work clothes and a cap, is focused on shaping a piece of wood. The workshop is simple, with a thatched roof and wooden tools, emphasizing traditional craftsmanship.
Caption/Text in the Advert:
“Born 1820
—Still going strong!”
Main Text:
“WOOD TURNING is among the remotely antique crafts, its history being traceable through the evolution of the lathe during the past twenty or thirty centuries. The origin of this art, though probably Oriental, is not definitely known. In England it was applied in making armchairs in the 17th century. Notwithstanding all that has been accomplished by modern machine-tool and factory practice, chair legs turned on the simple home-made pole lathe of the ‘chair-bodger’ are still sought for their beauty. The ‘bodger’s’ tool, operated in his picturesque hut in the Chiltern beech-woods, is one of the earliest types of European lathe, known in France in the 13th century.”
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.
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.
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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.
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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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