Archibald Dudingston Willis Limited
Biography
This printing and stationery company was founded in 1872 by Archibald Dudingston Willis, who had
arrived in Wanganui in 1864 and later became a partner with John Ballance in founding the Wanganui
Herald. Willis’s “Caxton Lithographic and Printing Works” became one of the most prominent in the
country, producing stationery as well as printing books. Willis was also a pioneer of the use of
chromolithography in New Zealand. Archibald died on 27 August 1908 and his son Alfred became
manager of the business in 1912 when the previous manager, Charles Poynter, left to set up his own
bookselling business.
- https://data.whanganui.govt.nz/wdc/HeritageSheets/428.pdf (accessed Nov 2022)
arrived in Wanganui in 1864 and later became a partner with John Ballance in founding the Wanganui
Herald. Willis’s “Caxton Lithographic and Printing Works” became one of the most prominent in the
country, producing stationery as well as printing books. Willis was also a pioneer of the use of
chromolithography in New Zealand. Archibald died on 27 August 1908 and his son Alfred became
manager of the business in 1912 when the previous manager, Charles Poynter, left to set up his own
bookselling business.
- https://data.whanganui.govt.nz/wdc/HeritageSheets/428.pdf (accessed Nov 2022)
estab. 1872, closed Early 20th Century
Place Of Birth
Place Of Death
