As part of the scientific series 'Studies and Materials', the Polonica Institute is undertaking a project that will result in an English-language monograph on Władysław Teodor Benda.

The nephew of Helena Modrzejewska, cousin of the "high priest of the age of iron" - Ralph Modjeski, one of the pillars of the "Golden Era of American Illustration", lived and worked in the United States. In an interview with the American press, the artist admitted - "My main occupation is illustrations for books and magazines". He was a sought-after illustrator who created work for some 40 publishers, including: "Cosmopolitan", "Life", "McCall's", "Poland", "Saturday Evening Post", "Scribner's", "Theatre", "Woman's Home Companion", "Vanity Fair" and others. His works have appeared in dozens of book publications printed in the United States.

Władysław Teodor Benda was one of the well-known and respected illustrators. This is evidenced by his collaboration with Scribner's magazine, which another illustrator, James Montgomery Flagg, compared to exhibiting paintings at the Paris Salon. In addition to his illustrations, Benda was also the creator of highly distinctive theatrical masks, which were created using original techniques. The masks won praise from the cream of New York society, actors, dancers and revue directors. In addition, the artist painted, sculpted, designed furniture and decorations, made city models, as well as designing posters and informational prints. Benda was also the author of expert texts, endyclopaedic entries and popular articles on masks. He was the author of Masks (New York, 1944), a book about the history of masks and his own mask-making workshop.

In an article for Step by Step Graphics, Fred Taraba, sketching a portrait of Wladyslaw Benda, mentioned that the publishers of the major magazines of the time often used the illustrator's services because of the "charm and individuality" of his work. Nowadays, in the circles of experts in illustration (including theatre), he is also regarded as a noteworthy artist. His works appear at auction and his name appears in the most important studies of American illustrators and theatre and masks.

The Polonica Institute is preparing an English-language version of a monograph on Władysław Teodor Benda for publication. The basis is the 2016 Polish edition. (Universitas publishing house). Dedicated mainly to the American publishing market, the publication is not only updated and expanded with new themes, but also contains previously unpublished illustrations. The translation of the book was undertaken by Krzysztof Cieszkowski. The publication is scheduled to be released at the end of 2022. The project is being carried out in collaboration with the Polish Army Veterans Association in New York, which has a large collection of the artist's works in its collection.