William Davison’s Printing Shop
Former Council Offices, Greenwell Road, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1HB
William Davison was born in Newcastle upon Tyne in October 1780, the son of John Davison, a joiner. Around 1795 William was apprenticed to Mr. Hind, a Newcastle chemist. In 1802 William moved to Alnwick to establish his own pharmacy. He entered into two short-lived partnerships with local printers but by 1808 was operating his own printing business. He continued to operate as an apothecary, pharmacist and printer from premises in Bondgate until his death in 1858.
Northumberland Archives holds about 4500 proofs created by Davison’s business. They provide a unique insight into the life of a provincial town and its hinterland in the first half of the 19th century. They also vividly illustrate the development of more decorative forms of advertising at a time when the national economy was expanding. Northumberland Archives has developed a digital exhibition showing a small sample of the proofs.
Timings
- Saturday 19 September:
- 1000-1600
Location & directions
Former Council Offices, Greenwell Road, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1HB
- Directions:
- The former council offices are behind Boots Opticians. In the lane leading from Greenwell Road Car Park to Bondgate Within.
- Contact on day:
- Sue Wood
- Telephone number:
- +441670624358
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Additional information
There will be volunteers at the Marketplace on 19th September, to give tips, directions and leaflets that will help you make the most of the range of activities and events on offer in Alnwick.
