This poster, printed by William Davison, offers the public a chance to see a performance of Romeo and Juliet in the theatre at Alnwick, "by particular desire of a party of gentlemen" in 1820. The evening included other entertainments too, by a small band of artisans.
William Davison was born at Alnwick, Northumberland, on 16th November 1781. He was the youngest son of William & Mary Davison. After leaving school William junior entered into an apprenticeship with Mr. Hind, a chemist in Newcastle. It is believed William returned to Alnwick in 1802, setting up business as a pharmacist. In 1803 he entered into a short partnership with Joseph Perry, a local printer in Alnwick. William continued to work in the town as an apothecary, pharmacist, and printer until his death in 1858. His printed material remains a unique illustration of the business and social activities present in the Alnwick area during the early and mid-nineteenth century.
