Education
Born in Whitley Bay, Northumberland, England, Gilroy attended Durham University until his studies were interrupted by World War I, during which he served with the Royal Field Artillery.
Born in Whitley Bay, Northumberland, England, Gilroy attended Durham University until his studies were interrupted by World War I, during which he served with the Royal Field Artillery.
He resumed studying at the Royal College of Art in London, where he remained as a teacher. He taught at Camberwell College of Arts. In 1925, he gained employment at South.H. Benson"s advertising agency, where he created the iconic advertisement art for Guinness featuring the Zoo Keeper and animals enjoying Guinness.
He worked with Dorothy L. Sayers.
He worked in his large studio at 10 Holland Park, London, the former home and studio of Sir Bernard Partridge. He was awarded and Honorary Master of Arts by Newcastle University in 1975, and was made a Freeman of the City of London in 1981
John Gilroy died at Guildford on 11 April 1985.
First, in 1924, to Gwendoline Short, an artist like himself. They had one son - John Morritt in 1927.
He was a long-standing and much loved member of the Garrick Club, where he was created a Member and Chairman of the Works of Art Committee 1970-1975.
