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W. A. S. Benson, (1854-1924) Hammersmith,
London, c1880-1920 making art metalware for table use and for oil, gas and
electric lighting fittings. He was closely associated with William
Morris and the Arts and Crafts Movement. Benson products were retailed
through Morris & Co. for interior designers and he also had his own shop in Bond
Street, London for some time.
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Some items were not marked. Other
makers copied many of the designs.
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This mark found under a coffee
jug is very small but the 'WASB' can be seen between the hammers. It is
not shown in most books on Benson. |
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This mark on the cast iron base of a copper-lidded dish. |
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This mark is most often found on the Benson design of insulated
(double-walled) jug. |
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This one usefully has a patent date.
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These marks are
from the wick winder buttons of oil lamps, (courtesy of Alex Marrack). |
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The table below
shows the Benson marks as classified in ‘The Neglected Mr Benson’,
Harvey Ferry & William Clegg, The Country Seat, Oxon RG9 5RY. An Exhibition of
Lighting and Metalwork of W A S Benson 1854 – 1924, 2000, 29pp.
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Benson Water Jugs
'Benson's Patent Jacketed Vessels for Toilet
Use'
These jugs all have an inner lining that is
'white enamelled on Bessemer steel' to quote the Benson catalogue. There
is an air gap between the inner and outer which would allow useful insulation
and help keep the water hot. Most were intended to be used to carry hot
water from the kitchen range kettle up to bedroom toilet stands and were made in
sizes from 1½
pints up to 2 gallons. (2 gallons of water weighs 20lb!)
Some of the smaller jugs have pouring spouts
made of nickel and were presumably meant for use at the tea table to top up the
tea pot when needed. All are marked underneath with one of the Benson
Trade Marks.
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Benson Kettles
The kettles made in the Hammersmith factory
were mainly intended for use in living rooms rather than the kitchen.
They are of excellent design and build quality with a large variety of types and
sizes to suit buyers' needs. This selection is mostly of kettles that
could be kept warm with a spirit burner, including one (top left) especially
made for sale through Tiffanys. The bottom row includes one kettle without
stand, a teapot with interior tea filter, a coffee pot and an electric kettle.
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Marks A-B |
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Oil Lamp Makers
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Makers and their Marks
Copper References Copper Glossary
Special Topics
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