An Arts and Crafts Oak Hall Bench

Early 20th Century

with Liberty Ianthe upholstery.
Height 36 3/4 x width 38 x depth 18 inches.

Property from the Estate of James G. Hansen at Fetcher House, Winnetka, Illinois

This lot is located in Chicago.

The Fetcher House in Winnetka, Illinois was designed by local architect Augustus Higginson and built in 1901 for Edwin S. Fechheimer (who later changed his last name to Fetcher). Higginson was a Winnetka resident and member of the Chicago Arts and Crafts Society at Hull House and was therefore the ideal architect to design Fetcher’s home in the desired Arts and Crafts style. In April 1905, The House Beautiful featured the home, praising the architecture and interior design as “simple, sincere, and unpretentious.” [1]

Over the following century, there were several additions and renovations to the home as it passed through three owners before James Hansen purchased it in 1979. Hansen was a passionate and knowledgeable collector, who valued and preserved the history of The Fetcher House. As an artist and industrial designer himself, he had a deep appreciation for the Arts and Crafts movement for its creation of beautiful, functional objects made from natural materials as a reaction against mass production.

Hansen built his collection to fit the style of the home including striking examples of works by important early 20th century makers such as Tiffany Studios, Roycroft, Stickley, and Grueby, as well as Chicago metalsmiths Robert Jarvie and Jessie Preston. Freeman’s | Hindman is honored to present this eclectic and inspired collection in our Early 20th Century Design auction on May 20, 2025 and Artist and Artisan: Fetcher House and the Collection of James G. Hansen auction on June 6, 2025.

[1] Robie, Virginia, “A Bachelor’s Cottage in the Country,” The House Beautiful (April 1905), 30-31.

In overall stable and ready to place condition. There are no breaks, losses, splits or repairs to the wood frame. Areas of heavier scuffing, scratches and edgewear are present across the backrest rail. Surface scratching throughout and more prevalent on the front lower panel. Hinges to the seat function smoothly, an internal chain hangs from only one suspension point. Upholstery a newer replacement with some fading but without tears or staining. Some loose threads around the piped edges. Wear to the armrests and lower legs consistent with age and use. Please see additional images.

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Artist and Artisan: Fetcher House and the Collection of James G. Hansen

An Arts and Crafts Oak Hall Bench

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