£1,650.00
An exceptional and highly decorative pair of English Arts & Crafts brass swing-arm wall lights, dating to circa 1900 and designed in the manner of William Arthur Smith Benson (1854–1924).
An exceptional and highly decorative pair of English Arts & Crafts brass swing-arm wall lights, dating to circa 1900 and designed in the manner of William Arthur Smith Benson (1854–1924).
Originally manufactured for gas illumination, the lights have been sympathetically converted for electricity in the Shackleton Fox workshop, preserving the character and functionality of their original construction while making them suitable for modern use.
Each light is formed around a beautifully sinuous tubular brass arm, sweeping upwards and outwards from its wall mounting before terminating in the lamp holder. The pronounced curves and fluidity of the design are characteristic of the transition between the British Arts & Crafts movement and Art Nouveau at the turn of the 20th century.
Particularly striking are the pierced brass supports beneath the arms. Worked into an elegant arrangement of interlacing curves, each incorporates a distinctive heart-shaped motif surrounded by flowing foliate forms. Rather than being purely decorative, these elements form an integral part of the construction, combining ornament with function in the manner associated with some of the finest lighting designs of the period.
The arms are attached to articulated pivoting mechanisms, allowing each light to swing laterally and be repositioned as required. Originally a practical means of positioning the gas light, this surviving functionality makes the pair particularly desirable today for use as bedside reading lights, where they can be drawn forward when required and returned towards the wall when not in use.
Each fitting is mounted against a shaped brass backplate with a gently scalloped outline and raised central boss, itself positioned upon a circular turned timber wall mount. The warmth of the timber provides an attractive contrast to the aged brass and adds another layer of character to the design.
The brass has been sympathetically cleaned rather than highly polished, preserving variations in colour and patination developed through more than a century of use.
Although the design shares numerous characteristics with lighting associated with W.A.S. Benson, including its sweeping tubular construction, organic pierced decoration and emphasis upon mechanical adjustment, no maker's mark has been identified. The pair are therefore conservatively catalogued as in the manner of W.A.S. Benson, rather than attributed directly to his workshop.
Now accompanied by a pair of Shackleton Fox Petite Clip-On Empire Lampshades in Natural, handmade in the United Kingdom, the lights are ready to form a wonderfully characterful pair of bedside, library or reading lights.
Their combination of sculptural design, original gas-era construction and practical adjustability makes them an especially appealing example of early 20th-century decorative lighting.
William Arthur Smith Benson was one of the most important British designers of domestic metalwork and lighting associated with the Arts & Crafts movement.
Benson's lighting was notable for combining elegant organic forms with ingenious practical engineering. Documented examples incorporate curved tubular brass arms, heart-shaped and foliate elements, adjustable fittings and mechanically articulated components—the same broader design vocabulary evident in this pair.
The £1,650 price includes the pair of lampshades shown in the photographs.
Each light is supplied with a Shackleton Fox Petite Clip-On Empire Lampshade in Natural, handmade in the United Kingdom.
The restrained proportions and natural fabric have been selected to complement the scale and flowing form of the original brass lights without overwhelming their decorative metalwork.
Additional and replacement shades are available directly from Shackleton Fox.
The pair are presented in very good antique condition, with surface wear and patination consistent with their age and previous use.
The brass displays variations in tone, areas of patination, light tarnishing, scratches and minor surface marks. These have deliberately not been polished away, allowing the fittings to retain the character expected of lighting dating from circa 1900.
The timber wall mounts display corresponding age-related marks and variations to their surfaces.
The original articulated mechanisms remain operational, allowing the arms to pivot laterally.
The pair have been sympathetically cleaned, converted, rewired and PAT tested in our workshop.
Please refer closely to the photographs, which form an important part of the condition description.
Height: 14 cm / 5.5 inches
Width: 10 cm / 3.9 inches
Maximum projection / depth: 35 cm / 13.8 inches
Weight: 2.5 kg / 5.5 lbs
Every item offered by Shackleton Fox is carefully inspected, prepared, and where necessary conserved within our workshop prior to sale.
As heritage craftsmen and antique specialists, we believe in preserving the authenticity and integrity of each piece. Original finishes, patina, wear, and signs of age are retained wherever possible, as these elements contribute to both character and historical significance.
When restoration, rewiring, repairs, or conservation work is required, it is undertaken sympathetically using traditional techniques and materials appropriate to the period of the piece. Our philosophy is one of careful stewardship rather than unnecessary restoration, ensuring antiques remain both functional and historically respectful.
The result is a collection of pieces that have been thoughtfully prepared, allowing future owners to enjoy them with confidence while preserving their unique story and character.
