Born into a family of European artists, Benson Landes left school at the age of 14 to study fashion and design. Working at his father’s clothing factory, he learned pattern cutting. Designing clothes was the natural progression for Benson, who eventually set up his own couture business in 1956. After 25 successful years, Benson decided to retire to his foremost passion, sculpting and modelling. He immediately designed a collection of eight sporting bronze trophies, which were snapped up by Crown Jeweller’s Garrards. Benson was then able to introduce himself to a number of important individuals and fine art houses. Working mainly on commissions for the next fifteen years, Benson’s exquisitely graceful bronzes have since been exhibited across the country, with collectors worldwide. Benson attributes the characteristic elegance and movement of his classical figure sculptures to his career as a couturier, where he gained an in-depth understanding of the female form.

Benson continued to make sculptures until he became too poorly to continue – almost to the end of his life.  The bronze sculpture ‘Musing’ (a seated ballerina) and ‘Nutcracker’ (a standing ballerina) were amongst the last pieces he created.

Benson Landes passed away in the autumn of 2013.