W. A. S. Benson Bronze Arts & Crafts 1900 Piano Lamp, Onyx Table

Signed "WASB" for William Arthur Smith Benson, the famed English architect and designer of the Arts and Crafts period, this solid bronze 1900 era floor lamp has an onyx table.

The old silk and glass bead shade is removable, it is deteriorated and has losses to the glass beadwork as shown. There is a flake to the genuine onyx semi-precious table top.

The lamp has been rewired for American electricity and bulbs, it may have been an oil lamp originally, but Benson also designed electric lamps, so this is not certain.

Tall adjustable lights like these were popular as piano lamps, for playing and for singers gathered around a piano.

The exquisite bronze work has understated antique patina on this antique from England.

Benson (1854-1924) went into business about 1878, designing furniture, ceramics, and fireplace accessories as well as lighting. His original metalwork was heralded as "Modern Design." Also working as an architect, he was awarded 35 patents. The firm even produced 100,000 grenades for the World War I effort.

Measurements of this understated antique are 21" tip to tip between the feet, and height is adjustable from 5' to 7' tall.

Item # F-L752