Original Penguin has teamed up with London-based artist Jethro Haynes to bring the origin story of its mascot, Pete the Penguin, to life.
Haynes used a 1950s comic book style to tell how Pete lost — then got back — his head, and the brand gained a mascot.
According to company lore, traveling salesman Abbot Pederson picked up a penguin from a taxidermy shop in New York City as a drinking companion for an upcoming robbery. He named him Pete. After a few cocktails on the plane, he accidentally knocked Pete’s head off, but a kind flight attendant reattached it using Pederson’s bow tie – and a logo was born.
Haynes ran with the story and created a cartoon illustrating the tale, which is used on 19 pieces in an Original Penguin x Jethro Haynes collection. The line includes short and long sleeve t-shirts, polo shirts with left chest crest and all over print, graphic hoodies, short sleeve button down shirts, swimwear and a rain jacket with a printed lining.
“I really enjoyed illustrating Original Penguin’s quirky origin story for this collection,” Haynes said. “I went for a 1950s comic book style with my own twist to add a visual time stamp to the funny, improbable and unique story. Although in 2022 Pete’s inspiration should be left unpranked, waddling southern hemisphere and still timelessly cool.
Prices range from $45 to $165, and the collection will be sold online as well as at Original Penguin stores on Lincoln Road and at the airport in Miami, Florida.
Haynes is a multidisciplinary artist working with illustration, animation, typography, model making, sculpture, art direction and wildlife photography.