By Jim Rosenthal
James Swann was born on a ranch near Merkel, Texas on July 31, 1905. He attended Sul Ross College in Alpine, Texas and graduated in 1927. After graduation, he worked for an engraving company in Amarillo and Fort Worth. By 1931 he had completed his first etching and had moved to Dallas.
In 1933 he visited the Century of Progress Exposition (World’s Fair) in Chicago where he met Bertha Jaques, Secretary of the Chicago Society of Etchers, and Morris Henry Hobbs, a well known artist and etcher. Both became good friends. In 1936, he moved to Chicago to apprentice with Hobbs and never left. Chicago became his adopted home and he embraced everything the big city had to offer.
He lived in a series of apartments until 1952 when he purchased a house in the Mid-North area of Chicago which he named “Swann Acres.” The “Acres” part of the name was a figment of his vivid imagination (and sense of humor). At best, it is 1/4th of an acre and sits on a corner lot in this now upscale community.
This neighborhood was perfect for Swann. Everything he needed on a daily basis was in easy walking distance. The houses were spacious and comfortable. Many were in less than perfect condition. Housing prices were low – especially if you were willing to put in some “sweat equity.” Many young, community minded people were moving into the area. And the “new” people were eager to meet other “new” people which created a great environment for making friends. And friends were always an important part of James “Jimmie” Swann’s life.
Several years ago while on a business meeting to Chicago, I visited “Swann Acres.” The address of 400 Webster Avenue is mentioned in the Joseph Czestochowski book “James Swann In Quest of a Printmaker.”
James Swann enjoyed everything about his new home and he quickly set about transforming it into a showpiece. He remodeled every room in the house and converted the basement into a gallery where he sold his and other artists’ prints. At one point, he had 20,000 prints in his inventory. He was very proud of the fact that he always made his living from the sale of prints – either his or those of other artists.
He was helped by the fact that he served as the secretary-treasurer of the Chicago Society of Etchers from 1937-1946 and then held the same position with the Prairie Print Makers from 1947-1966. He was friends with many of the leading print makers of this era and represented their work.
His living room with its wall of bookshelves, fireplace and fine art was his favorite room in the house and where he spent most of his time. He was an avid reader as can be judged by his book collection. Unlike some home libraries, his books were chosen for content – not for gold embossed leather covers.
The house had a small backyard (patio) which Swann converted into a “Japanese Garden.” He spent many hours enjoying it. Swann’s Japanese Garden was well known in this community – not only because many of his neighbors were welcome visitors – but also because it was featured in the Chicago Daily News and was a frequent stop on the Mid-North Garden Walk.
The garden was a masterpiece in its use of limited space to create a comfortable and elegant environment. One of Swann’s favorite activities was entertaining friends with a Japanese tea party.
A comment from an earlier post on this blog http://www.inpraiseofprints.com/james-swanns-views-of-chicago-then-and-now/ from Elizabeth Porch gives an idea of the Swann hospitality:
“Jimmie Swann was a family friend. I spent a number of afternoons in his Japanese garden while my parents, Jim (another Chicago artist) and Muriel Hvale, and Jimmie Swann visited. I loved reading your short biography. As a child, there were many things I did not know about him.”
(For a more detailed description of Swann’s love for trees and their inclusion in most of his etchings see the article by Dr. Victoria Cummins – James Swann in West Texas: An Artist in the Making at Sul Ross in the West Texas Historical Association Year Book – October 2012)
UPDATE: I had the opportunity of visiting “Swann Acres” in January of 2024. The house is currently owned by Jill Engel. Jill and her son, Adam Lukas, served as my hosts and tour guides. Some more details about the house. It was built in 1883 – just 12 years after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. This area was hit by the fire. It is not clear whether the building at this specific address was destroyed but the neighborhood was rebuilt as part of the catastrophe renewal process. This is when Chicago was transformed from a city of wooden structures to the brick buildings we see today. The fact that it is good condition speaks highly of 1880’s construction.
Outside access to the basement is a door under the front steps that you can see in the picture above. Also, under the steps is an open space where the “outhouse” used to be. (Remember, 1883 is well before the day of indoor plumbing.) The garden has been replaced by a garage, but there is a nice patio on the roof. Also, the bookshelves in the living room are gone. But there may be plans in the works to have them restored.
It was a pleasure visiting the house. It helped to put Swann’s life in Chicago in perspective. He loved living in the city and the house helps to explain why. In appreciation for my house tour, I gave Jill the “Swann Acres” etching shown above. It now sits on a shelf near the fireplace in the living room. It has a good home.
Swann Acres is close to the “Old Town” area of Chicago. In 1950 a group of Old Town residents started the Old Town Art Fair. The Fair is still thriving. In 2018 it was selected as the “#1 Art Fair in America” for the fourth straight year. Jimmie Swann was an early and constant participant in the event. This is not surprising since it included three of the elements that were most important in his life – 1. art, 2. involvement/participation and 3. neighborhood (friends).
Probably as a result of his participation in the Old Town Art Fair, he created several etchings with an “Old Town” theme. (After all, what would sell better to Fair goers than etchings of their own neighborhood?) Three of his best were Lincoln Park West (1963), 1828 Lincoln Park West (Date unknown) and Old Town Street (1969).
In the early 1960’s the bi-weekly magazine – Scene: A Critical Guide to Leisure and the Arts in Chicago – did a feature story on Jimmie Swann. The article begins with the statement that he had never sold a print for more than $18. Of course, he made many prints from the same etched plate. The point was that making and selling etchings was not a lucrative endeavor. However, Swann made enough money to be able to travel extensively. He visited most of the countries of Europe, China, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Peru and Chile. He was also able to visit Japan many times and see the art and the gardens he admired and recreated in Chicago.
(I would like to thank Sean Ulmer, Executive Director, of the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art for allowing me to work with the James Swann Archives. The Museum is an excellent steward of the Swann papers, records and photographs. Their assistance is much appreciated.)
Morris Matson says
Jim, I’m totally impressed with your scholarship and ability to write interesting biographical material. Keep it up. Let’s get together. Been too long.
Morris
Jim Rosenthal says
Morris
Thanks. I am glad you enjoyed the piece. There are lots of good stories of the print makers of this era. It is fun to be able to tell them and a bonus that you find them interesting. Thanks for the support and encouragement. Jim
Victoria Cummins says
I very much enjoyed this blog posting on James Swann. He did a 1934 PWAP mural which still hangs today in the Red River Historical Museum in Sherman, Texas. I have written several historical articles about the PWAP which note his participation in that program. My husband and I have been collecting Jimmie Swann prints for quite a while, having loaned some to Sul Ross several years ago for a retrospective exhibit there. I appreciate your citing my article on James Swann in West Texas. I’m currently working an article on the prints of Caddo Lake artist Don Brown. As someone interested in historical prints, I am very impressed with your website — Victoria H. Cummins, A. M. Pate Professor of History, Austin College.
Jim Rosenthal says
Thanks. I am glad you enjoyed the article. Jimmie Swann was a friend of my father and grandfather. When he moved to Chicago, he worked with Morris Henry Hobbs at Tree Studios. Swann and Hobbs were in studio 21. My grandfather’s studio was across the hall in studio 20. We are also collectors of Jimmie Swann prints. All of the prints shown on this website are from our collection. Your article on Swann and Sul Ross is excellent and gives a great perspective on his early art career. I look forward to reading your article on Don Brown. Thanks again, Jim
Staci Lawrence says
I have the etching, “Swann Acres”. It was a gift my mother received from a friend when she lived in Chicago. Thank you for sharing about this man and his work.
Jim Rosenthal says
According to the Joseph Czestochowski book on James Swann and his work entitled “In Quest of a Printmaker” the Drypoint “Swann Acres” was produced in a small edition of 26. The plate was then steel faced and reissued as a Christmas card. There was no record of the number of Christmas cards Swann produced. I saw one of the “originals” at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art. I think the one I own is one of the Christmas cards. Both are excellent prints printed by Swann. I know you will continue to enjoy the print that you received from your mother and am glad that the article provided the back story for you.
Adria Hall says
Greetings Jim,
I enjoyed the article and the comments. I have a very sad James Swann story to tell you and anyone who may read this post.
My husband and I married in 1992 and moved to Lincoln Park. Sadly, we just missed crossing paths with Mr. Swann.
My mother owned an etching called “Swann Acres” I always admired. One day while walking on Webster, it struck me that a row house I loved was in fact “Swann Acres.” After that, we started looking for and acquiring any James Swann etching we found.
After almost 30 years of marriage, we own 56 James Swann etchings. They hung in the long hall entryway of our condominium. All of our family and friends really enjoyed them. We loved seeing them every day.
Last February, we rented our large condo and moved to the shores of Lake Michigan in Indiana. We carefully wrapped and stored all of our art work including our James Swann collection. We stored our better furniture and our artwork at an indoor, temperature controlled, staffed storage facility in Evanston, IL. We already had a storage locker there on the first floor but we requested the 2nd floor for the more valuable belongings.
On Dec 29, 2021 the storage locker was burgled. The thieves broke into 24 lockers by renting a locker on line and receiving an access code giving them after office hours access. Along with three oil paintings and 8 Moses Harris botanicals, all of our James Swann etchings are gone.
We are sick. It’s like a death. If you or an of your readers come across someone selling a large group of James Swann etchings for sale, please alert me. All the pieces were professionally cleaned (stabilized not bleached), matted and framed in various versions of black and silver leaf. The frames all have Joel Oppenheimer framers on the back of the framed etchings.
I have photos as well. Truly, we feel like someone died.
Jim Rosenthal says
This is indeed a sad story. I have “James Swann” in my searches for all auctions and ebay. I have seen nothing that matches your description. However, I will look for any pieces that might have been stolen from you and your husband. Hopefully, other print collectors will do the same. It would be great if the print collector community could help you recover your art.
Peter Magee says
I’ve replied earlier not sure of success. I have 20+ Swanns I’d like to talk about.
Peter Magee (760) 218.4441.
Jim Rosenthal says
Peter
Feel free to send me a list of your Swann prints. jimrosenthal5757@aol.com
I would be glad to discuss after I have a chance to review what you have.
Best, Jim
Jim Rosenthal says
This “Stolen Swann Etchings” story has a relatively happy ending. Through some pretty impressive detective work, all but one of the missing etchings are now back with the original owner. Nice Work!
Adria Hall says
Thanks so much Jim. As soon as I complete my insurance claim, I will try to set up a link and post photos of what I hope to recover.
I am so confused by this theft. Art is so personal. Why would anyone the art that means something to my husband and me? I appreciate other peoples’ art but I don’t want it. And where would they sell it? Pawn shop? For what? Pennies on the dollar.
Oh well.
Thanks again for the support!
Adria
Peter Magee says
Jim….I knew Swann…Mr Swann…Jim….in the 70s and 80s while a young Chicago exec.. from Swann and his friends Bunny & Dan Korbelac I acquired about 22 of his self framed etchings. I am now retired and trimming down. Sadly most have left the long gallery in my chicago brownstone and are in my Palm Springs garage dreaming of a new life. Your writer who lost her collection to G.D. thieves caught my eye. I’d be interested in chatting with you in that regard.
Peter Magee (760)218-4441…
Joanne Gajentan says
Hello,
Enjoyed reading the story of James Swann!
We inherited a few etchings that were for my husband’s Aunt and Uncle. They lived in Itasca, Ill. According to my husband, Uncle Jimmy was at their home during many Christmas holidays. I’m trying to research what we have, so our children understand the importance of these vintage etchings.
The “Willow” is signed by James Swann to Tom and Gertrude. We have a Christmas card, an “Itasca Church”, also signed for the Aunt and Uncle. Plus, their Itasca house in the winter, again to Tom and Gertrude. And one more.
*When etchings are dedicated to someone, how does that change the value?
We also have “Monday Morning-Chicago” by Morris Henry Hobbs.
Stow Wengenroth x3, Robert Von Neumann x2, Anna Sandhills Ray x4, “Going Home” by Leslie Cope, “Jonathan” by Margaret Ann Gaug, and “Banks Fisherman” by Gordon Grant. We enjoy them all!
We’d so appreciate your thoughts. We’re in the Tampa Bay Area. I will send pictures if you need them.
Thank you so much..
Jim Rosenthal says
I am glad you enjoyed the article on James Swann. I can tell you quite a bit about the prints you own. Most of it comes from the excellent book on Swann by Joseph Czestochowski.
It is so interesting that your husband grew up in Itasca. So did I. My Dad owned Metcalf Printers. I went to school in the Itasca Public Schools and Lake Park High School. (1966) Swann’s print of the “Itasca Church” captures this well-known landmark.
Most of the prints you have are from an organization called the Prairie Print Makers. Swann was the Secretary-Treasurer of the organization for a number of years. Willow is the Presentation Print for 1953. The Wengenroths, Von Neumanns, Cope, Gaug and Grant are also Presentation Prints. There is another article in my blog on this group.
Morris Henry Hobbs was in a business partnership with my Grandfather. Your piece was printed in 1935. It is very possible that my Grandfather printed it.
I urge you to read other articles in this Blog. There are a number of articles that will give you some additional background information on your prints.
A dedication on a print normally does not add value.
I would like to hear more about your husband’s connection to Itasca.
Thanks again for the comment.
Jim Rosenthal
Joanne Gajentan says
I sent a response and I’m not sure if you received it. We also have a sketch of James Swann’s likeness drawn by his friend Laura Knight.
Itasca memories from my husband-should we use this forum or send us your email where we can share his memories with you. Let us know.
‘
Joanne Gajentan says
Hello,
So glad for your information on these etchings. It is helpful. Also forgot to mention that we have the likeness of James Swann drawn by Laura Knight. Another friend of James Swann. Wish I could send you some pictures but I’m not sure how to accomplish that. – Joanne
Itasca memories: is it possible to send us your email so we can share my husbands fond memories of Itasca? Or, If you’d rather us use this forum? Let us know.
Tom and Joanne
Mimi says
I loved reading this piece about James Swann. My step dad was an artist with a gallery on Wells in the mid 60’s and would also exhibit at the old town art fair. We lived in Old Town and Lake View and when I stumbled across my first Swann I was hooked and have been collecting ever since. I also purchased a small oil painting that clearly looks like his work, and has his iconic 400 Webster street address label on the back of the painting, but the signature is difficult to make out. Can anyone tell me if they know of oil paintings that he did? I have been unable to find any oil paintings at all by him. Thank you!
Jim Rosenthal says
I am not aware of any James Swann oil paintings. That does not mean that your piece is not a James Swann. Many artists work in multiple mediums. However, since Swann had an art gallery in his home, it is more likely that your painting was created by one of the artists he represented. Can you send a picture of the signature. This might help to identify the artist of your piece.
Mia Jiganti says
I knew Mr. Swann when I was a child. My mother worked at Distinctive Interior Designs on Clark Steet, just around the corner from Mr. Swann’s home. Bunny and Dan owned DID as we called the store and mom was friwndly with Mr. Swann who sold his prints there and had coffee there most days. Mr. Swann gave my mother the trimmings from the mats for my brother and I to use in crafts. He was a most lovely person in addition to being a gifted artist. I have several prints and my mother has many more. Mr. Swann frequently traveled with locally famed chef Louie of the Bakery Restaurant and chef Louie’s wife. One adventure took them to Easter Island, I believe Mr. Swann made prints of some of the sculptures. Mr. Swann (and chef Louie and Bunny and Dan) were some of the people who made growing up in Lincoln Park special.
Jim Rosenthal says
Thank you for this wonderful personal account of your experience with James Swann. It is confirmation that Swann was not only a master at his art, but he was also a master at making friends.
Thanks also for the anecdote with Chef Louie and Easter Island. I knew he travelled a lot in later life, but the Easter Island trip is new to me. Very interesting.
Erin says
Your article was fascinating. In Wheaton, I recently purchased a small framed picture with an address sticker for James Swann with his Webster Address on the back. It’s a beautiful small gold foil print of a person, it looks like it’s from Asia. It was so striking I had to buy it. Do you think it’s from his personal collection? I’d be glad to share a picture.
Jim Rosenthal says
Interesting. I am not familiar with any Swann prints that fit this description. However, Swann was a very active print dealer. He had over 20,000 prints in his basement “gallery” and often used the Webster sticker when he framed prints for sale. Share a picture of the print. I would be glad to try to identify the maker.
Katherine Schwartz says
I inherited a print of an etching from my Aunt after she passed by James Swann.
It is called “Picnic Hill”, gifted “For Miss Butcher”, and signed by “James Swann”, all in pencil in the bottom frame of the picture. At the bottom of the cover it is taped tom it is dated 10-45.
I’m soon to be 78, and I have enjoyed this print for over 65 years. In these “golden years”, I’ve asked my children if they would like to have this print. They both said thank you, but no!
I’d be interested in auctioning or selling it, but having never had anything from an artist who has risen upwards as an artist, I haven’t a clue as to what to do next!!!
Thank you for sharing your information about this man!
Jim Rosenthal says
Thanks for your kind remarks about the article on James Swann. It is great that you have enjoyed one of his prints for many years. I looked up the print you have in his catalog (Czestochowski). “Picnic Hill” is a Drypoint and was produced in 1944. 41 copies were printed. Most Swann prints sell in the low hundreds of dollars. Keep in mind he prided himself at never selling a print for more than $15. Depending on condition you could try to sell it on ebay or an auction house might take it. My best advice is to continue to enjoy it yourself.