W.A.S. BENSON (1854-1924) FOR MORRIS & CO. DRAWING ROOM CABINET, CIRCA 1900

W.A.S. BENSON (1854-1924) FOR MORRIS & CO. DRAWING ROOM CABINET, CIRCA 1900 mahogany, satinwood, with verde antico marble, gilt brass mounts and glazed doors (135cm wide, 111cm high, 56cm deep) Literature: Morris & Co catalogue, Specimens of Furniture, Upholstery and Interior Decoration, circa 1900, p. 23, no.140 illus. Hamerton I. W. A. S. Benson: Arts and Crafts Luminary and Pioneer of Modern Design, AAC 2005, p.159, pl.140-142A where a similar cabinet is illustrated. Note: Most of Benson’s furniture designs were made and retailed by Morris & Co. He became a director of Morris & Co. in 1896, following the death of his friend William Morris, and then became chairman in 1905. His furniture designs for Morris & Co. included desks and tables in oak, cabinets with marquetry inlay, and more expensive metal-mounted tables and cabinets. These more flamboyant pieces used rare and expensive timbers and enabled the designer to showcase his skill in decorative metalwork.