Hugo Guinness

Hugo Guinness
Born	(1959-09-12) September 12, 1959 London, England
Occupation(s)	Artist, illustrator, author, screenwriter
Known for	Monochromatic block prints, collaborations with Wes Anderson

Hugo Arthur Rundell Guinness (born 12 September 1959) is a British creative professional, acclaimed as an artist, illustrator, and author, particularly for his monochromatic block prints and contributions to The New York Times. He is especially noted for his artistic partnerships with filmmaker Wes Anderson.

Early life and education

Guinness received his education at Eton College. Prior to establishing his career in art and literature, he held positions as a copywriter at the advertising firm Collett Dickenson Pearce, worked in investment banking with Guinness Mahon, and launched Coldpiece Pottery.

Art and illustration

His artistic style features straightforward, witty portrayals of common objects and expressions. His illustrations have been published in The New Yorker, The New York Times, and Vogue. Additionally, he has designed clothing for Pussy Glamour and crafted leather accessories for Coach New York.

Prominent collectors of his artwork include editor Anna Wintour, actor Heath Ledger, actresses Amanda Peet, Natalie Portman, Michelle Williams, artist Jack Pierson, and director Wes Anderson.

Film

Guinness has partnered with Wes Anderson on multiple films, contributing artwork to The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) and The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004). He provided the voice for Nathan Bunce in Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) and co-authored the story for The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014), which led to a shared nomination for the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

In 2015, he produced an animated short film for J.Crew aimed at raising awareness about ivory poaching and participated in the BBC documentary series Storyville with Hi Society – The Wonderful World of Nicky Haslam.

Personal life

Born in London, Guinness is the youngest child among five siblings and the sole son of Pauline Vivien (née Mander) and James Edward Alexander Rundell Guinness, who was both a banker and a veteran of the Royal Navy. He descends from Samuel Guinness, the brother of Arthur Guinness, situating him within the broader Guinness family. His sisters include socialite Sabrina Guinness, Anita Guinness (married to Amschel Rothschild), and psychotherapist and philanthropist Julia Samuel.

Residing in Brooklyn's Boerum Hill, Guinness lives with his wife, artist Elliott Puckette, whom he wed in 1996. They are parents to two daughters, Isabella and Violet.