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W.A.S. Benson Furniture

British, 1854-1924

Known for his iconic metalwork and innovative lighting designs, English architect and designer W.A.S. Benson was one of the most influential Arts and Crafts creators of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. 

Born William Arthur Smith Benson in 1854, he studied classics and philosophy at the University of Oxford. Following graduation, he decided to pursue his interests in art and engineering by becoming an architect. After moving to London for an architecture apprenticeship, Benson met Pre-Raphaelite painter Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones, who roused his creativity. With encouragement from Arts and Crafts movement pioneer William Morris, plus the metalwork expertise he had learned from his uncle, Benson opened a workshop in London’s Fulham neighborhood in 1880.

Towards the end of the 1880s, Benson closely studied emerging technologies in metalwork production, becoming a master in casting, turning, folding and riveting. With these skills, he added an artistic element to many of his designs, such as light fittings, plant stands, fireplace accessories and serving pieces. He displayed these in his first showroom opened on London’s Bond Street in 1887. That year, Benson became a founding member of the Art Workers’ Guild and campaigned with the National Exhibition of the Arts to have crafts presented as an art form.

By the turn of the 20th century when electricity was replacing gas and oil, Benson was particularly acclaimed for his domestic lighting designs, including table lamps, floor lamps, chandeliers and other decorative lighting. Demands for mass production of his designs grew, and Benson patented his metalwork and lighting to protect them from mediocre copies. 

In 1893, Benson published Elements of Handicraft and Design. Three years later, upon Morris’s death, he purchased Morris and Co. with a colleague. He directed the furniture company until his retirement in 1917.

Before his death in 1924, Benson exhibited several times at the Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society and contributed to famous design projects such as London’s Savoy Hotel. His metalwork and lighting pieces attracted critical attention from The Magazine of Art, The Studio: An Illustrated Magazine of Fine and Applied Art and German architect Hermann Muthesius in his book Das Englische Haus.

On 1stDibs, find a range of antique W.A.S. Benson lighting and serveware.

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Creator: W.A.S. Benson
WAS Benson. A pair of Arts and Crafts brass swan style table lamps
By W.A.S. Benson
Located in London, GB
W A S Benson. A pair of Arts and Crafts brass swan style table lamps with heart shaped bases. WAS Benson Catalogue plate 15, illustration No 1079. Stamped marked to the base Price fo...
Category

Early 1900s Arts and Crafts Antique W.A.S. Benson Furniture

Materials

Brass

WAS Benson. A pair of Arts & Crafts patinated silver table lamp.
By W.A.S. Benson
Located in London, GB
WAS Benson. A pair of Arts and Crafts patinated silver table lamp with heart shaped base with counter weight ball. Height fully extended 12 , Width of base 6, Depth of base 7".
Category

Early 1900s Arts and Crafts Antique W.A.S. Benson Furniture

Materials

Silver

WAS Benson. An Arts and Crafts four leg table oil lamp converted to electricity
By W.A.S. Benson
Located in London, GB
WAS Benson. An Arts and Crafts four leg table oil lamp converted to electricity.
Category

Early 1900s Arts and Crafts Antique W.A.S. Benson Furniture

Materials

Brass

WAS Benson. A good quality Arts & Crafts copper and brass kettle
By W.A.S. Benson
Located in London, GB
A good quality copper and brass kettle by WAS Benson, wonderful design and in good condition. Length 10, Height 6 1/2.
Category

Early 1900s Arts and Crafts Antique W.A.S. Benson Furniture

Materials

Copper

WAS Benson. A good quality small Arts & Crafts copper and brass teapot
By W.A.S. Benson
Located in London, GB
W A S Benson. A good quality small copper and brass teapot.
Category

Early 1900s Arts and Crafts Antique W.A.S. Benson Furniture

Materials

Copper

WAS Benson. An Arts and Crafts brass table lamp with heart shaped base
By W.A.S. Benson
Located in London, GB
WAS Benson. An Arts and Crafts brass table lamp with Heart shaped base.
Category

Early 1900s Antique W.A.S. Benson Furniture

Materials

Brass

WAS Benson (stamped). A silver plated hot water jug
By W.A.S. Benson
Located in London, GB
Silver plated hot water jug by WAS Benson (Stamped on Handle).
Category

Early 1900s Arts and Crafts Antique W.A.S. Benson Furniture

Materials

Silver

WAS Benson. An Arts and Crafts cast iron four leg table oil lamp
By W.A.S. Benson
Located in London, GB
WAS Benson. An Arts and Crafts cast iron four leg table oil lamp.
Category

Early 1900s Arts and Crafts Antique W.A.S. Benson Furniture

Materials

Iron

W. A. S. Benson Arts & Crafts copper & brass lamp
By W.A.S. Benson
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Stylish original Arts & Crafts brass & copper converted oil lamp by W. A. S. Benson.
Category

Late 19th Century British Arts and Crafts Antique W.A.S. Benson Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Arts & Crafts copper & brass converted oil lamps by W. A. S. Benson
By W.A.S. Benson
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Good pair of original Arts & Crafts Movement copper & brass oil lamps converted to electricity by W. A. S. Benson. The lamps are cu...
Category

Late 19th Century British Arts and Crafts Antique W.A.S. Benson Furniture

Materials

Copper

Arts & Crafts Original Oil Lamp By W.A.S. Benson
By W.A.S. Benson
Located in Petworth, GB
Arts & Crafts brass and copper oil lamp With original vaseline glass shade and glass flute By W.A.S. Benson Circa 1895 This item has been sympathetically converted to electric bu...
Category

1890s English Arts and Crafts Antique W.A.S. Benson Furniture

Materials

Brass, Copper

A Benson Wall Light With Glass Shade
By W.A.S. Benson
Located in London, GB
Birmingham, England, circa 1890 A W.A.S. Benson articulated brass lamp, with sputnik tripod base, retaining its original opaline glass fan shade, to be mounted on a wall, or used on ...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique W.A.S. Benson Furniture

Materials

Brass

A Benson Brass Tripod Lamp
By W.A.S. Benson
Located in London, GB
England circa 1870 An unusual 19th Century brass tripod lamp by WAS Benson. Height (extended upwards, including shade) 49 cm. Diameter 16 cm. Please note: Does not include lampsha...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique W.A.S. Benson Furniture

Materials

Brass

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WAS Benson Art And Crafts Chandelier
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Art nouveau chandelier circa 1900. Brass and copper frame with 5 branches. 5 opalescent glass tulips by James Powel. Stamped 2 times "Benson". Electrified and in perfect condition. ...
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Antique Arts & Crafts Bent Slag Glass Table Lamp with Bronzed Base C1920
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Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts W.A.S. Benson Furniture

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Antique Arts & Crafts Table Lamp in the style of Gustav Stickley w5240
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Modernist Copper Insulated Ceramic Kettle by Hall China
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Antique George III Quality Copper Kettle
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique George III quality copper kettle having a quality antique George III copper kettle with a shaped handle and spout lift of lid Measures: ...
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Materials

Copper

Antique George III Quality Copper Kettle
Antique George III Quality Copper Kettle
H 12.21 in W 12.21 in D 8.27 in
American Arts & Crafts Painted Patinated Metal Lamp W/ Caramel Slag Glass Shade
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Heintz Sterling Silver Overlay on Bronze Arts & Crafts Table Lamp
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Heintz sterling silver overlay on green textured bronze table lamp with flora cut out design shade and same design silver on base. 
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Previously Available Items
W.A.S Benson Pair of Table Lamp or Wall Sconces, 1900
By W.A.S. Benson
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Pair of antique table lamps or wall sconces by William Arthur Smith Benson, England, ca. 1900. Opaline glass and brass. Fine shades in opalin pink glass. Brass fixtures. Can be used ...
Category

Early 20th Century British Arts and Crafts W.A.S. Benson Furniture

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Brass

Brass Tripod Lamp by W.A.S. Benson
By W.A.S. Benson
Located in London, GB
England, circa 1900 An early twentieth century brass lamp by W.A.S Benson, of tripod form, the scrolling legs surrounding a central stem, and terminating in heart shape pad feet. H...
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Early 20th Century English Arts and Crafts W.A.S. Benson Furniture

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Brass

Unusual Brass Lamp by W.A.S. Benson
By W.A.S. Benson
Located in London, GB
England, circa 1900 An unusual brass lamp with curved neck wrapped with scrolling vine, the heart shape base pierced with foliate form, with original opaline glass shade. Height 42...
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Unusual Brass Lamp by W.A.S. Benson
Unusual Brass Lamp by W.A.S. Benson
H 16.54 in W 14.18 in D 5.91 in
Brass Desk Lamp by W.A.S. Benson
By W.A.S. Benson
Located in London, GB
England, circa 1890 A fine pair of blue glaze vases with swirling decorative handles to the necks, with bulbous bodies and flared rims, now as lamps. Made for Liberty & Co. Height ...
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Early 20th Century English W.A.S. Benson Furniture

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Brass

Brass Desk Lamp by W.A.S. Benson
Brass Desk Lamp by W.A.S. Benson
H 15.36 in W 4.53 in D 10.63 in
Pair of Brass Wall Lights by W.A.S. Benson
By W.A.S. Benson
Located in London, GB
England, circa 1900 A pair of wall lights by W. A. S. Benson, with scrolling arm supporting the original opaline glass shades, decorated with brass sepals, all mounted on brass pl...
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Early 20th Century English W.A.S. Benson Furniture

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Pair of Brass Wall Lights by W.A.S. Benson
Pair of Brass Wall Lights by W.A.S. Benson
H 13 in W 5.52 in D 11.42 in
Arts & Crafts Table Lamp by W.A.S. Benson
By W.A.S. Benson
Located in Petworth, GB
An Arts & Crafts converted oil lamp Silver plate on brass The stylised leaf design surrounding the oil reservoir is very much a signature of Benson There...
Category

Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique W.A.S. Benson Furniture

Materials

Brass

Benson Tripod Lamp
By W.A.S. Benson
Located in London, GB
An unusual 19th century tripod lamp by Benson.
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique W.A.S. Benson Furniture

Materials

Metal

Benson Tripod Lamp
Benson Tripod Lamp
H 16.93 in Dm 6.3 in
Late 19th Century Antique W.A.S. Benson Brass Duplex Kerosene Floor Lamp
By W.A.S. Benson
Located in Esperance, NY
For sale is this absolutely stunning brass antique oil floor lamp made by was Benson. The lamp is in nice condition for its age. Also very well ...
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19th Century English Arts and Crafts Antique W.A.S. Benson Furniture

Materials

Brass

Brass Arts & Crafts Table Lamp by W.S.A. Benson
By W.A.S. Benson
Located in Fairfax, VA
English Arts & Crafts brass table lamp electrified for US by W.S.A. Benson
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Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique W.A.S. Benson Furniture

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Brass

Brass and Copper Metal Tripod Table Lamp by W.A.S Benson
By W.A.S. Benson
Located in London, GB
An Arts & Crafts brass and copper oil lamp with tripod base and claw and ball feet, now converted to electricity. Stamped W.A.S BENSON. Please note:...
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Early 20th Century English Arts and Crafts W.A.S. Benson Furniture

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Brass, Copper

Arts & Crafts Brass Tripod Table Lamp or Wall Light Stamped Benson
By W.A.S. Benson
Located in London, GB
An Arts & Crafts brass tripod lamp by W.A.S Benson, with adjustable arm, adaptable for tabletop or wall-mounted position. Benson stamp to the underside of one foot. Please not...
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Late 19th Century French Arts and Crafts Antique W.A.S. Benson Furniture

Materials

Brass

W A S Benson, An Arts & Crafts Copper and Brass Telescopic Standard Oil Lamp
By W.A.S. Benson
Located in London, GB
W A S Benson. An Arts & Crafts copper and brass telescopic standard oil lamp retaining the original oil lamp font.
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1890s English Arts and Crafts Antique W.A.S. Benson Furniture

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Brass, Copper

W.a.s. Benson furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

W.A.S. Benson furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of W.A.S. Benson furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by W.A.S. Benson were created in the Arts and Crafts style in united kingdom during the early 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by and Was Benson. Prices for W.A.S. Benson furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,200 and can go as high as $27,960, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,253.

Creators Similar to W.A.S. Benson

Questions About W.A.S. Benson Furniture
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 22, 2024
    To date a JW Benson watch, check the markings on its back. Most timepieces will feature British standard metal hallmarks as well as maker's marks. You can use online reference guides to determine the rough age of your watch based on these markings. Alternatively, you can consult a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a selection of JW Benson watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 27, 2025
    The famous photographer Benson is Harry Benson. Always in the right place at the right time, Benson has used his camera to give the world a glimpse into events rocking the globe. His black-and-white and color photographs include shots of celebrities, politicians, royalty, political upheavals and social revolutions. In 1989, Benson photographed the student protests in Tiananmen Square and the fall of the Berlin Wall. He was with President Clinton on his historic visit to Kosovo in 1999 and captured New York City in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Benson has also photographed every president since Eisenhower and took numerous images of Queen Elizabeth II. Shop a variety of Harry Benson photography on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 22, 2024
    The history of JW Benson watches begins in 1855, when watchmaker J. W. Benson established a workshop in London. Within a decade, he was well-known throughout the city for his finely crafted watches and clocks. Following the founder's death in 1878, his sons, Alfred and Arthur, took over the company. Under their leadership, JW Benson unveiled a watch strap resistant to moisture and dust. It also received royal commendations from Queen Victoria, the Prince of Wales and the kings of both Denmark and Siam. During World War I, JW Benson contributed to the war effort by producing trench watches for soldiers. The business thrived during the following years, but its factory was bombed during World War II. JW Benson never resumed production of watches after the war but continued to run a shop on Bond Street, where it sold jewelry and timepieces crafted by other makers. This store closed in the 1980s when it was bought out by Mappin & Webb. On 1stDibs, explore a collection of JW Benson watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 22, 2024
    Yes, some JW Benson watches are valuable. Select models made during the first two decades of the 20th century, particularly its trench watches that date back to World War I, may sell for thousands. However, other models are worth considerably less, though they may still have some value, as many JW Benson watches were silver and can therefore be sold for scrap. The potential selling price of a JW Benson timepiece depends on its style, age, materials, condition and other factors. A certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer can provide an expert valuation for any timepiece you own. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of JW Benson watches.

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