Steam powered printing

Elisha Smith Robinson was a self-made man who founded the one of the largest printing companies of the Victorian Era.  He used lithographic presses and later steam powered lithographic machine. He also produced the first colour tradesman’s advertising calendar.

His company was the largest buyer of paper in the British Empire.

Contributed to the City of Bristol

Elisha was the chairman of the Port Railway and Pier company which is now the Severn Beach line.  He also supported charitable organisations including the Anchor Society the Grateful Society and was a Guardian of the Poor and liberal councillor for Bedminster. He was also Mayor of Bristol in 1866.

Man of Faith

He was a non conformist, like his father,  and subscribed to the Baptist Missionary Society.  He also paid for the erection of stained glass windows in Tyndale Chapel where he worshipped. He was a founder of the Colston Hall.

Elisha Smith Robinson (1817-1885) was a renowned Bristolian entrepreneur, politician and philanthropist. Son of a papermaker; Elisha was raised in Overbury, on the Gloucestershire/Worcestershire border. He moved to Bristol, aged 23, to make his own way in the world. 

Within 4 years of moving to Bristol, Elisha had set up his paper & packaging company – E.S. & A Robinson. Within 20 years, they had become the biggest purchaser of paper in the British Empire, eventually becoming the second largest business in Bristol, after Imperial Tobacco. 

Aside from being a successful entrepreneur, Elisha had many other political and philanthropic interests. He held many noteworthy positions in the city, including Mayor of Bristol, Liberal Member of Parliament and Justice of the Peace.  Hewas also President of the Grateful Society in 1880, and Chairman for the Port and Pier Railway Company. 

In his personal life, Elisha was also a keen cricket enthusiast. This passion was continued by his descendents, who include no less than 7 first class cricketers. Other notable descendents include a Lord Mayor of Bristol and English stained-glass artist. 

Elisha died on 29th August 1885, Aged 68, at his home – Ivy Towers – in Sneyd Park, Bristol.  

Elisha’s legacy is still remembered today, and he is memorialized in several locations around Bristol and Gloucestershire. The factory buildings are still visible, and in use, in Bedminster. There is relief at Colston Hall [now Bristol Beacon], of which he was a founder and benefactor. And of course, there is also a monument at Arnos Vale Cemetery – his final resting place – along with his wives Elizabeth and Louisa. This monument can be viewed from the Ceremonial Way between the Bath Road Gates and the café.