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We know that Albert Freeman lived in Lowell, Massachusetts, and probably began creating his drawings in the 1930's, but details of his life are scarce. We are in the process of searching census records and other documents to discover more about him. We acquired our collection of Freeman's work from an antiques dealer in Illinois. Portraits of women and men, cowboys, horses, stage coaches, dogs, and wild animals were some of Freeman's favorite subjects. Linear dot designs appear frequently in his work, either used as a framing motif or as a patterning element on the image itself. Drawings are in mixed media, primarily tempera on salvaged paper and cardboard, including Cheerios cereal boxes, Jane Parker pie boxes, and even paper plates. The advertisement slogans and special offers found on the reverse of the drawings add a curious twist. Freeman's woman in pink casts a sidelong glance at the viewer from the interior panel of a Cheerios box which, on the box front, enticingly promises to reward the purchaser with "Secret clue to Lone Ranger mystery inside of box." On the back of a portrait of an elegantly prancing horse and rider which Freeman has decorated in glittering gold, we are invited to purchase a Wyatt Earp marshal's ring: "Authentic Western Design!" and "Gleaming Sterling Silver!" Our collection of works by Freeman includes examples that probably date to the 1930's. The printed designs on some of the cereal boxes have been confirmed by the General Mills archives to date from the 1950's, and the majority of works fall in this decade. Please inquire. Framed works also available.
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