Original lighting made by the Arts and Crafts designer William Benson or WAS Benson as he is better know continues to increase in popularity.
If we ask ourselves why that may be, there are a few factors which combine to create this surge in interest.
Firstly, the quality of the lighting is really quite exceptional. This is why it has survived 100 years with only light restoration and rewiring being necessary! The styles favoured by WAS Benson are also timeless and the variety offers ‘something for everyone’ ranging from the simplest stick lamp to a stand alone piece with highly decorative detail.
The recent increase in popularity of Arts and Crafts Lighting and also Art Nouveau lighting has put Benson lighting quite literally under the spotlight with features in interiors magazines and showcasing at design exhibitions by top designers. Of course, from a monetary perspective, original WAS Benson lighting is an investment and will only continue to increase in value over the years.
Have you visited the V&A museum and seen the Benson lighting on display? They can be seen in the William Morris Room 125 in a collection celebrating the styles of the late 19th century from aestheticism to the Arts and Crafts Movement.
Here at Ashby Lighting, Martin has been curating and restoring his WAS Benson collection for a number of years. We have a dedicated category in our online shop devoted to original, restored Benson lighting. You can view this collection HERE.
We also have a large collection of unrestored Benson lamps. We welcome customers to our restoration workshop in South Derbyshire to examine close up these unrestored gems and make their selection. In this way, the customer can dictate the cable colour, the exact finish you would like to the brass and copper. Some customers like the original and untouched patina to the metal, while others prefer the full re-polish… The customer can also select from our range of antique vaseline glass shades.
If you would like to discuss our WAS Benson collection, please get in touch.
Tel 07515937154
Email info@ashbylighting.co.uk
