Antique Arts & Crafts Cast Copper Finish Lamp with Rare Straw Vaseline Veined Bell Form Shade
A beautiful Arts & Crafts period lamp with a sculptural, organic frame in cast brass with an aged copper oxide finish. The sinuous form and hammered detailing reflect the design influence of W.A.S. Benson, combining craftsmanship with early modernist elegance.
The piece is paired with a rare straw vaseline bell shade, made from semi-translucent uranium glass exhibiting soft yellow tones with raised white veining throughout the body — a hallmark of early James Powell & Sons (Whitefriars)production. Under ultraviolet light, the glass fluoresces vividly, showcasing its authentic vaseline content.
This versatile lamp can be used as either a table lamp or adapted for use as a ceiling pendant, offering flexibility in both residential and collector settings. Perfect for Arts & Crafts, Aesthetic Movement, or early 20th-century interiorswhere original materiality and hand-finished detailing are celebrated.
Maker: Unknown (in the style of W.A.S. Benson)
Glass Shade: Attributed to James Powell & Sons, Whitefriars (unsigned)
Origin: England
Era: Circa 1900
Dimensions: 450 mm high × 170 mm diameter at base (approx. 17.7 in × 6.7 in)
Shade Dimensions: 155 mm diameter × 125 mm high (approx. 6.1 in × 4.9 in)
Weight: 2.2 kg (approx.)
Bulb Holder: Single B22 bayonet fitting
Material: Cast brass with aged copper finish, vaseline glass shade
Finish: Original oxidised copper patina, lightly wax-sealed
Condition: Excellent; minor age-related marks only
Wiring: Professionally rewired and tested
Installation: Suitable for use as a table lamp or ceiling pendant; professional wiring advised if converting
Scale Reference: Ideal for smaller rooms or accent lighting in period or collector interiors
Shipping: Worldwide delivery available
William Arthur Smith Benson Lighting
William Arthur Smith Benson (1854–1924) was a pivotal figure in the Arts and Crafts movement, renowned for his innovative and elegant lighting designs. A close associate of William Morris, Benson’s work exemplified the movement’s ideals of craftsmanship and functionality. He founded his own workshop in 1880, where he produced a range of metalwork, including lighting fixtures, which became his hallmark.
Benson’s lighting designs were groundbreaking, blending artistic beauty with modern practicality. He utilised materials such as brass and copper, creating lamps that were not only functional but also decorative. His designs often featured flowing organic shapes, reflecting the movement’s emphasis on nature-inspired motifs. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Benson embraced industrial techniques, such as machine tooling, to achieve consistent quality and affordability without compromising artistic integrity.
Benson's work was widely celebrated during his lifetime and continues to be highly regarded for its timeless elegance and innovation. His lighting designs are considered iconic examples of Arts and Crafts metalwork, bridging the gap between traditional craftsmanship and the emerging industrial age.
