Benjamin Creswick was born in Walkley, Sheffield and as a teenager was employed as a table-knife grinder. He started to visit the Ruskin Collection when it was on show at the St George’s Museum in Walkley and via the curator, came into contact with John Ruskin. Ruskin sat for Creswick for a sculptural portrait, gave him a monthly allowance and for a time, brought the Creswick family to live near him in the Lake District. This patronage allowed Creswick to forge a career as a sculptor.

By 1888, Creswick was modelling master in the new Municipal School of Art in Birmingham and received many commissions for commemorative designs for public buildings. He went on to establish Creswick & Sons whose work included smaller commemorative items, domestic metalwork and jewellery. Creswick was also involved with the Century Guild, one of the first Arts and Crafts organisations.