Avon Theater Dedication Plaque
Manufacturer
William Pearce
(American, active 19th century)
CultureAmerican
Date1839
MediumSilver
DimensionsOverall: 5 11/16 x 3 1/2 in. (14.4 x 8.9 cm)
Inscribed"W. Pearce" is stamped in a rectangle on the face at the bottom left corner. The plate is inscribed: "This Public Institution THE AVON THEATRE Dedicated to the Drama/This corner stone laid June 17th 1839/Miles King-Mayor of the Boro/Henry Woodis-Pres. Council/Jno N Tazewell/Jas H Johnston/Jno G Colley/Richd Dickson/E O Balfour/Jas F Hunter-Trustees of the Institution/C W Newton/Geo Jones/Willoughby Butt-Building Committee/Fred W. Southgate-Treasurer/Geo. Jones (Tragedian)-Architect & Lessee of the Institution. 'I consider the Stage as a powerful adjunct to the Pulpit' Wm Wirt of Va."
Credit LineGift of Mrs. H.B. Jordon in memory of her father, Captain Nathaniel Burruss, Cavalry, C.S.A.
Object number46.55.1
Not on view
DescriptionEngraved silver plate from the cornerstone of the Avon Theatre (1839-1850) on Avon St., now Court St., located on the ground where the jail was built.Label TextWalter Pearce American, 1805–1872 Avon Theater Dedication Plaque, 1839 Silver This silver plaque commemorated the building of Norfolk’s Avon Theatre in 1839. With its portico of six Doric columns, the stuccoed brick edifice made a handsome architectural and cultural contribution to the city. Its architect and first proprietor was George Jones (1810–1879), a prominent actor and playwright who at other points in his career worked in Richmond, New York City, and London. The Avon burned in February 1850 and was not rebuilt. Gift of Mrs. H.B. Jordon in memory of her father, Captain Nathaniel Burruss, Cavalry, C.S.A. 46.55.1 Exhibition History"The Norfolk Rooms," Willoughby-Baylor House, Norfolk, VA, opened August 16, 2014.
