From 1955 through 1960, the Piels brewery (in the East New York section of Brooklyn) employed the Young & Rubicam ad agency to create new commercials for their beer, which was competing with national brands. Animated by the New York wing of UPA, the agency devised Bert and Harry, the fictitious Piel brothers and pitchmen for the tasty brew. Their voices were brilliantly provided by the hysterically and dryly funny Bob & Ray.
These commercials were so entertaining that, even as a nondrinking-age scamp, I couldn’t wait for the next installment. And the beer was good too. For more of Bert & Harry listen to Sara Fishko’s Fishko Files.
Below are some of the ancillaries that told beer-drinking customers just where Piels sat in their barroom lives.
PRINT’s Summer 2015 Issue: Out Now!
The New Visual Artists are here! In this issue, meet our 2015 class of 15 brilliant creatives under 30. These carefully selected designers are on the scene making the most cutting-edge work today—and as many of our previous NVAs, they may go on to become tomorrow’s design leaders. Why not get to know them now? Check the full issue out here.