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.
W. A. S. Benson. Arts & Crafts Copper & Brass Chandelier with 5 Vaseline Shades
By W.A.S. Benson
Located in London, GB
W. A. S. Benson A rare Arts & Crafts copper & brass five-branch chandelier with the original ceiling plate to the top and a turned support below connected to three chains hanging do...
Brass, Copper
Antique Arts & Crafts W.A.S Benson / Powell Glass Plafonnier Light. C.1900
By W.A.S. Benson
Located in London, GB
An incredibly rare plafonnier light made in England by W.A.S Benson. c.1900. Wonderful quality cast decorative ring, retaining its original oxidised silver finish which has develope...
Brass
Single Arts & Crafts Brass Lantern Pendant Light with Art Glass
Located in Delray Beach, FL
20th century Arts & Crafts pendant light ,Features beautiful art glass shades , newly wired with new porcelain socket . nice patina. Canopy is not included. One more available on...
Brass
$2,733
H 28 in Dm 10.7 in
Rare Antique Arts & Crafts Glass with Embossed Copper Pendant Light w. Swans
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare Arts & Crafts Pendant Lamp with Embossed Swans and Water Lilies – Copper & Glass, circa 1920 With early 20th-century lighting being one of our specialties, discovering this rar...
Brass, Copper
Arts & Crafts Patinated Copper Chandelier
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A well crafted Copper chandelier in a fine dark patina with a leafy stalk form standard. The six lights with elegantly curved arms and flower form leafy bobeches. With a pointed term...
Copper, Other
$2,058
H 30 in Dm 10 in
Antique Arts & Crafts Stained & Chunky Glass Pendant Light Tiffany Style Fxture
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning moon shape chandelier pendant light 1900s. This rare ceiling lamp from the very early 1900s could be the perfect lighting solution for an entrance or any other small livin...
Lead
3 Arm Arts & Crafts Bronze Chandelier w/ 3 Alabaster Shades ca. 1920
Located in Petaluma, CA
This chandelier is one that could work in any room. Very simple and extremely graceful. The nice warm brown patina on the metal is complimented with 3 carved alabaster shades. It falls into the arts & crafts design with its clean and simple design. A wonderful piece of antique American lighting...
Alabaster, Bronze
$1,600Sale Price|57% Off
H 32.75 in W 19.5 in D 19.5 in
Arts & Crafts Hammered Darkened Metal Chandelier with Green Glass Shades
Located in San Francisco, CA
A classic, English Art & Crafts, hand forged and hammered, 4-light chandelier. With Tudor Revival undertones and perfectly proportioned vintage, green replacement glass. English, 191...
Metal, Iron
$3,722
H 39 in W 14.5 in D 14.5 in
Extra Large Arts & Crafts Brass and Glass Entrance Pendant Light Fixture, 1900s
Located in Lisse, NL
Top quality, hand-forged brass lantern. This striking and great design pendant in HB Berlage style is in excellent and good working condition. If you are a lover of the Jugendstil a...
Brass
Antique Arts & Crafts Brass Beveled Glass Hexagonal Pendant Lantern
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and highly decorative antique Arts & Crafts brass and beveled glass hexagonal pendant lantern. This beautifully handcrafted early 20th century pendant lantern is a wonderful ex...
Brass
$1,919
H 41 in Dm 12 in
Early 1900 French Arts & Crafts Holophane Copper and Glass Pendant Light, Marked
By Holophane
Located in Lisse, NL
Museum quality and condition Holophane pendant. It does not matter whether you are decorating an Art Deco, a Mid-Century Modern or a contemporary home or office, if you have the rig...
Brass
$1,000
H 10 in W 18 in D 18 in
Antique Arts & Crafts Green Slag Glass Swag Pendant Light Chandelier Shade 18"
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 19th century Arts and Crafts mission style swag / pendant light. Pyramid shaped with flared top, trimmed in brass with chain link design along lower edge. Light green and amber ...
Brass
Antique Copper Arts and Crafts Pendant Light Fitting. English C.1900
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful copper arts and crafts chandelier Original patina Original ceiling rose. No chain. No shades The measurement relates to the actual fitting. Not including the hanging wi...
Copper
Arts & Crafts Brass Pendant with Glass Shade, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Arts & Crafts pendant. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Original patinated brass frame with original hand- blown glass shade. Rewired with one original sock...
Brass