How the Guinness Harp got its Strings

The Guinness harp is so recognizable, you may sometimes see it and think “Guinness” even before you think “Ireland”, which the harp is the national symbol of. In the 19th century, Guinness was supplied in bulk to bottling firms and pub owners who used their own labels. To protect the brand, Guinness introduced its own trademark bottle label in 1862, featuring an oatmeal-colored oval. This label included the harp, the Guinness name, and Arthur Guinness’s signature, establishing the core elements of the Guinness identity. In 1876, the harp design was registered as a trademark, based on the historic O’Neill or Brian Boru harp. Over the years, the harp logo has undergone several changes to keep up with the times and changes in design trends. The main distinguishing feature between the Guinness and Irish national emblems: the position of the straight edge. Guinness’s is on the left, and the Irish harp’s is on the right. So if you ever wondered which came first, the Guinness harp chicken or the Irish harp egg, now you know!