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.
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.
Copper
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.
Copper
Nouveau / Arts and Crafts Copper Coffee Set
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
fleurdetroit presents for your consideration a wondeeful tea service from the Arts and Crafts period. Dazzle guests with a one of a kind find like this early 20th century coffee/tea ...
Copper
Tea Pot Teapot, Copper Brass Bamboo, 1950s
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A tea pot made of copper and bamboo manufactured in midcentury, circa 1950. An authentic handmade piece in very good original condition with lovely patina.
Copper
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: ...
Copper
Antique George III Quality Copper Kettle
Located in Suffolk, GB
A fine George III copper kettle featuring a wonderfully rounded body, elegant swan-neck spout and shaped fixed handle. The kettle has a rich, warm patina that only true period copper...
Copper
Large Antique George III Quality Copper Kettle
Located in Suffolk, GB
Large antique George III quality copper kettle with a shaped handle, spout and lift off lid. In lovely original condition. Dimensions: Height 38.5 cm (15.15 in) Width 41 cm (16.14...
Copper
Tea Pot Can Teapot, Copper Brass Bamboo, Austria, 1950s
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pot for tea, water, coffee, milk, etc. made of copper and bamboo manufactured in midcentury, circa 1950. An authentic handmade piece in very good original condition with lovely patina. It is marked with 'EKW Erich Kolbenheyer...
Copper
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 with a lift off lid. Measures: H 28.5 x W 26 x D 22cm D...
Copper
Modernist Copper Insulated Ceramic Kettle by Hall China
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Early Mid-century copper insulated ceramic Kettle by The Hall China Company for Forman Family inc. Crafted with precision and pride, this kettle embodies early Mid-century design wit...
Ceramic
Large Antique George III Quality Copper Kettle
Located in Suffolk, GB
Large antique George III quality copper kettle having a quality shaped handle and spout and lift off lid with original finale. Measures: 29.5 x 22 x 22cm Date 1800.
Copper
$1,750 / set
H 6.25 in W 8 in D 4.88 in
Jugendstil Copper and Brass Teapot by Atelier Mayer for WMF, Germany, 1905-1910
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Chicago, IL
Jugendstil copper and brass teapot set by Atelier Mayer for WMF, Germany, 1905-1910 Dims are of teapot alone.
Metal
Antique Copper Kettle with Unique Handle
Located in Ross, CA
Antique copper kettle made in the 1800s. The lid has a brass handle and the seams on the bottom of the kettle are dovetailed. The kettle itself has an unusual shaped flat top handle.
Copper
Antique Copper & Brass Tea Kettle
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An authentic and decorative 19th Century Water Kettle. Large oval form copper tea kettle with gooseneck spout, fixed cylindrical handle, tin lined interior with one vertical seam. D...
Brass, Copper, Tin