In Ireland, there are symbols that are virtually indestructible, and the harp is one of them. Not only is it the emblem of the Irish nation… it’s also the emblem of the famous Guinness stout, a local beer that has become deeply rooted in the population’s daily lives. But did you know that Guinness registered the harp symbol on April 5, 1862, long before the Irish government? A glimpse into the history of a timeless symbol now known the world over…
A pint of Guinness – Charlotte Marillet – cc
It all began on April 5, 1862, when the Guinness brewery decided to register the harp as an official symbol. At the time, his objective was clear: the company wanted to better communicate its brand and its beer… The company is particularly keen to emphasize the “made in Ireland” aspect of its production, and to reinforce its communication around strong cultural values.
The harp is one of the most obvious choices. This is one of the major instruments of Irish culture. The first Celtic harps were found in Ireland as early as the 11th century.
They are usually beautifully crafted, with ornamentation (often interlacing) and are generally imposing. One of the best-known is the Brian Boru harp, dating from the 15th century. Although it has no well-founded historical link with King Brian Boru, it is a national treasure, and is displayed in Trinity College’s Old Library.
It’s precisely this 15th-century harp that Guinness has used for its logo. The company drew much of its inspiration for its emblem from this historic treasure.
In August 1862, Guinness began printing its first labels with the famous stylized harp. This new image soon caused a sensation among the Irish population. It has to be said that the Irish are very attached to their culture and heritage: Guinness, by using the harp, is playing the cultural attachment card. A winning strategy!
The Irish flag
From the 1900s onwards, Ireland was driven by a profound desire for emancipation. The Irish can no longer tolerate the British imperialist presence on their soil, nor the many anti-Irish discrimination policies.
Intellectuals and politicians soon joined forces in the cause of nationalism and independence… It’s at this precise moment that the Irish harp emerges on the flags…
In 1922, when the Irish Free State was promulgated, the now-independent Irish government decided to use the same harp as Guinness…
But the Irish brewery doesn’t see it that way, and intends to assert its rights. The company has held the logo since 1862… and all rights to the harp.
An agreement was reached: the Guinness brand forced the Irish government to use an inverted harp as its symbol.
Thus, the Guinness Harp is always shown with its right edge (the soundboard) to the left, and the Government Harp is always shown with its right edge to the right.
Since then, the harp has also become the official national emblem of the Republic of Ireland, and is still featured on the currency (the euro).
The Downhill Harp, on display at the Guinness Storehouse – © Anton Ivanov Photo
The harp is one of the three elements that make up the Guinness brand livery. The other two elements are the word “Guinness” and the famous calligraphic signature of the brewery’s founder: Arthur Guinness.
There have been a number of changes in the design of the harp device over the years, including a reduction in the number of strings displayed.
The current harp was introduced in 2005 when a new brand livery was launched.
The brewery has also acquired the Downhill Harp, a historic harp dating back to 1702. It is said to have been made by Cormac O’Kelly of Ballinascreen and played by the blind harpist Hempson (or O’Hampsey) in the 18th century.
A real treasure, it is now on display in the Guinness Storehouse Museum in Dublin. The harp bears the following inscription:
In the time of Noah I was green,
Since his flood I had not been seen,
Until Seventeen hundred and two I was found By Cormac O Kelly underground:
He raised me up to that degree
That Queen of Musick you may call me.
It’s one of the major attractions of the Guinness Storehouse, and shows just how deeply the brewery’s values are rooted in Ireland’s cultural heritage. As a precursor of the genre, she created a symbol that is now universal, and has even become an archetype of Irish patriotism.
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