An advertisement for the instruction of dancing being offered by a Mr. Common. Both day and evening classes were offered, at the Fleece Inn on Bondgate. The Fleece Inn is still there today. Notice the fine border this advertisement has. It was printed by William Davison.
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.