John Bull the "blue and buff" scheme; this was used by supporters of Whig politics, which was part of what John Arbuthnot wished to deride when he created and designed the character. By the twentieth century, however, his waistcoat nearly always depicts a Union Flag, and his coat is generally dark blue. (Otherwise, however, his clothing still echoes the fashions of the Regency period.) He also wears a low topper (sometimes called a John Bull topper) on his head and is often accompanied by a bulldog. John Bull has been used in a variety of different ad campaigns over the years, and
Alexander John Arbuthnot Alexander John Arbuthnot Sir Alexander John Arbuthnot (11 October 1822 – 10 June 1907) was a British official and writer. He was educated at Rugby School. Arbuthnot served in Madras (now Chennai) as the director of Public Instruction (1855); he was a key force in the incorporation of Madras University (1857) where he served as the Vice Chancellor from 1871 to 1872; he was the chief secretary to the Madras Government (1862–67); he was a member of the Legislative Council (1867–72); he was a member of the Madras Executive Council; he served on the Viceroy's Executive Council (1875–80); he was