W.A.S. BENSON (1854-1924)

Benson, encouraged by William Morris, had opened a small workshop in Hammersmith producing metalwork in 1880. Two years later he moved to larger premises in Chiswick and in 1887 opened a showroom on New Bond Street. His works were sold through Morris & Co. and their continued close relationship was such that he became Managing Director of Morris & Co. in 1896 on Morris' death.

This rare form is known only in a handful of examples, most of which have slight variations. Whilst the current lot is seemingly identical to that shown in Agius (op.cit.), that in Hammerton has double glazed doors to each end, whereas that in Andrews features only cupboard doors. It is interesting to note that the leaf-design hinges were patented in 1899 and the model went on to be shown by Morris & Co. at the Franco-British Exhibition in London in 1908.