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The start of ESSE's unique heritage
During the late 1800's James Smith introduced his stoves and cookers to the wealthy Victorian market in Edinburgh. However, his company nearly went down when James, on a return trip to America in 1854, was shipwrecked and rescued from the Atlantic after floating in a zinc lined wicker basket for 3 days.
Soon after, James Smith formed a partnership with his old Scottish friend Stephen Wellstood and the company became known as Smith and Wellstood. With the help of a third partner, George Ure they opened an iron foundry at Bonnybridge - 'The Columbian Stove Works' and it was at this point in history the ESSE brand name was created. The French sounding name reflected the fashion, at that time, for continental style stoves.
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An early Smith & Wellstood catalogue 
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