William Arthur Smith Benson (1854–1924), known as W. A. S. Benson, was an influential British designer and metalworker closely associated with the Arts and Crafts movement. Originally trained as an architect, Benson became best known for his innovative metalwork designs, particularly lighting and domestic objects crafted from copper, brass, and other metals. His work often featured elegant, organic forms, simple construction, and minimal decoration, emphasizing the inherent beauty of materials. Benson founded his own workshop in London, producing lamps, candleholders, fireplace fittings, and tableware, much of it designed for Morris & Co. He was a close friend and collaborator of William Morris, and his designs embodied the Arts and Crafts principles of functionality, craftsmanship, and refined aesthetics. Benson’s creations remain celebrated today for their sophisticated simplicity, practical design, and timeless elegance.
