Allen, David, & Sons Ltd

Sectors:

  • Professional services Advertising & public relations services
  • Publishing & printing Other printing
  • Publishing & printing Postcards & greeting cards printing & publishing
  • Recreation activities Theatre, concert hall, music hall, music festival, etc, development & management

Notes:

Established in 1857 by David Allen, 1830-1903, at Belfast, as a printing business. Early on specialised in poster / postcard printing, especially for theatre, circuses, etc. Developed large print works and design teams at Belfast and Harrow, London, and later Manchester. Became D & J Allen in c1867 when David's brother James joined in partnership. Became David Allen & Sons in 1884 on James's departure. 1888 opened a London office to obtain business from, inter alia, the London theatre. Mid 1890s opened very large printing works at Harrow, London. Incorporated 1897. Late 1890s associated with the abortive flotation of Youde's Billposting Ltd. From 1908 developed theatre and similar interests via David Allen Theatres Co Ltd. In 1920s and 30s business led by Cissy Allen, widow of William. When poster demand declined from 1920s diversified into bill posting, acquiring many provincial companies to become a nationally spread business. Allen family also had interests in silk screen printing, trawlers and advertising agency. Continuing in the late 1950s [2024]

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