Fire Screen (Primary Title)
William A.S. Benson and Co. Ltd., English (London), 1854 - 1924 (Artist)
William Benson was a pioneer of modern design, an innovator in the use of technology, and a master of metalwork. He is especially known for his unique copper lighting fixtures. Although part of the English Arts and Crafts Movement, which promoted handcraftsmanship, Benson still used machines in his production. For this fire screen, he combined copper and brass in both cast and stamped forms to create a complex group of curling vanes that resemble the leaves of a plant or petal or a flower. An example of this fire screen appears in a period photograph of the drawing room at Windleshaw House, Benson’s East Sussex residence.
Impressed on reverse: "REG. NO 181516: W.A.S. / BENSON"
Gift of Frederick R. Brandt in memory of Carol J. Brandt
(similar example) World's Fair, Paris, 1900;
LOOK HERE: Dazzle, VMFA, Nov. 2, 2005 - Jan. 29, 2006.
LOOK HERE: Dazzle, VMFA, Nov. 2, 2005 - Jan. 29, 2006.
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC
Some object records are not complete and do not reflect VMFA's full and current knowledge. VMFA makes routine updates as records are reviewed and enhanced.
