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Company History
The Elegant Earth of Birmingham, Alabama and Vessels, Inc. of Atlanta, Georgia merged their operations in January of 2005. Distinct, yet complimentary, histories of the former companies provide a distinguished background for the current company . These histories give insight into why they saw a unique opportunity to merge.
Jane Comer originally founded The Elegant Earth as a retail store in 1988. The store, with its signature turreted facade, quickly became the premier destination for antique garden ornaments in the Southeast. Often featured in publications, including Garden Design , Southern Accents and House and Garden , her store was renowned for its style and sophistication and served as a benchmark for garden boutiques throughout the country. Comer traveled extensively in Europe and beyond to bring back unique garden treasures to the States; price often being no object.
In 1995, looking to expand her audience, Comer launched a wholesale manufacturing company to reproduce some of the stone and iron antiques she had acquired. The concept blossomed, and Peyton King, an astute businessman and landscape enthusiast, was brought in to take the company to the next level. King acquired the business from Comer in 2001, and like a skilled plantsman nurtured, pruned, and shaped the business to meet the rigorous demands of a wholesale manufacturing company, without losing the one-of-a-kind charm cultivated by Comer.
Vessels, Inc was founded in 1996 by Chadwick Stogner. Trading on extensive knowledge, and a trove of molds garnered from his many years reproducing museum pieces and archaeological artifacts, he was able to launch a successful garden ornament manufacturing company almost overnight. Stogner’s previous travels had taken him to such places as Egyptian Pyramids and Scottish Chapels, and the reproductions he made from these historic sites gave the line a distinctive and eclectic look.
Using signature natural finishes and the finest mold-making skills, Vessels’ reproductions captured the nuance of age and patina. Stogner continued to collect and build his line, molding directly from newly acquired garden antiques and casting them in a high-quality concrete.
Although competitors, King and Stogner admired each other’s work. Seeing the advantages of combining their talents, product lines and facilities, they decided to merge their companies. Having ambitious plans for the future, they strive to inspire their customers as they continue to bring beautiful and functional products to the market.