W. A. S. Benson – Arts and Crafts Four-Leg Table Lamp Converted to Electricity

An Arts and Crafts table lamp by W. A. S. Benson, brass and copper, with a four-leg base and oil reservoir converted to electricity, dated 1900.

This brass and copper table lamp, designed by W. A. S. Benson around 1900, reflects the Arts and Crafts movement’s emphasis on elegant utility and visible craftsmanship. Originally an oil lamp later converted for electricity, the form comprises a rounded copper reservoir mounted above a brass support and four splayed legs. The structural balance between the domed bowl and the low, arched base typifies Benson’s understanding of proportion and mechanical grace.

Benson’s metalwork epitomised the rational beauty promoted by the movement, combining functional purpose with refined material harmony. His lamps were often retailed through Morris & Co., bringing artisanal design into the domestic sphere. The conversion has been sensitively executed, retaining the lamp’s original fittings and surface integrity. The brass and copper surfaces have developed a mellow tone consistent with age and use.