Amphitheatre of 1769 by Paul Braddon

'Watercolour by Paul Braddon depicting the amphitheatre erected for the Jubilee of 1769. The Jubilee was a 3-day celebration of Shakespeare in his home town, organised by the actor David Garrick. Although the event was not a huge success, it is widely credited as being a key moment in Stratford-upon-Avon’s history, making it the tourist destination that it is today. Paul Braddon (1864-1937) was the pseudonym of James Leslie Crees. Born in Birmingham, England, Braddon was a prolific watercolour artist, best known for his topographical paintings, which often featured buildings with a literary connection. The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust has almost a hundred of Braddon's watercolours in its collection, painted around 1890 and depicting scenes from Stratford-upon-Avon and other areas associated with William Shakespeare.'