W.A.S. Benson

W.A.S. Benson Synopsis

This is the first work devoted to the life and work of the designer and architect William Arthur Smith Benson (1854-1924). Renowned for imaginative and practical metal work designs, W. A. S. Benson is best known for his daring and innovative work in the sphere of electrical lighting. Examples of the latter have always been widely admired (even during his own lifetime) and are becoming increasingly rare and desirable. Other aspects of Benson's life and work however are perhaps less well known and these have been given prominence in this extensively researched and visually stunning book. The scope of the work places Benson in his historical context (Peter Rose), present Benson's biography (Avril Denton) and discuss his commercial work: interior design (Mark Golding), metalware (Ian Hamerton), lighting (Ian Hamerton and Salah Ben Halim), architecture (Ian Hamerton) and also the steps taken by Benson to protect himself against design theft (Tony Hampton). Several appendices also contain invaluable information concerning Benson's designs (illustrated in his sales catalogue), registered designs and trademarks and a list of his architectural works.