Page 15 - Howe Lighting Catalogue

BENSON LIGHTING
William Arthur Smith Benson (1854 – 1924) embodied many of the most important themes of the Arts & Crafts movement, which stood for traditional craftsmanship combining simple, often organic and primitive forms with medieval or folk decoration. Essentially anti-industrial, the Arts and Crafts movement was a reaction against a perceived decline in the standards of work associated with machinery and factory production and was a call to arms for an economic and social reform of the Arts.
Benson’s approach to lighting design was described as ‘palpitatingly modern’ leading him to be considered one of the most significant and forward thinking designers of the period.
2 Cylindrical hanging lantern by W.A.S Benson. An etched and cut glass cylinder within two brass rings and spindle turned columns beneath a domed roof in copper, the hanging loop cupped within an upturned beaten copper lotus flower. English, c.1900
3 Superlative W.A.S Benson copper & brass chamber-stick. The curved copper back plate featuring a simple flower stem motif in repoussé and brass drip tray and handle, designed by George Heywood Sumner for Benson & Co. Unsigned, c.1908
A near identical example: Hamteron, Ian, W.A.S Benson: Arts and Crafts Luminary and Pioneer of Modern Design, Antique Collectors Club. English, c.1900
1. £795 2. £3,500 3. £1,400
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