Ward brings over 20 years of deep and wide-ranging design experience to this role. Before joining Freeman’s, he worked in the Design department of a prominent New York-based auction house focused on in 20th-century furniture and design with a particular interest in European furniture from the second half of the 20th century. He also co-owned and operated Full Circle Modern, a successful vintage design store in Brooklyn specializing in furniture from the 1960s through the 1980s.

Mr. Ward also has a broad background in real estate, as an appraiser, broker, rehabber, and investor. 

"I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to enter an already robust Design program with Freeman’s. In the coming years, I look forward to expanding this legacy by continuing to feature Design auctions in Chicago and Philadelphia. We will be looking to curate future auctions based on our existing strengths in 20th-century design by building our presence in the contemporary Design space and strengthening the offerings that explore the connections of Fine Art and Design by introducing present-day artists to the market," commented Roger Ward.

Mr. Wirsum joined the firm in 2007 as a Fine Art registrar and became a department specialist in 2013, with a focus on Post War and Contemporary art. Through his vision, the department has achieved record breaking prices. Mr. Wirsum evaluates and appraises well over 5,000 works of art each year, collaborating with leading international committees and experts on authentication. Prior to joining Freeman's, Mr. Wirsum served as an assistant director and conservator at the Chicago Conservation Center. He received a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and is a practicing painter with gallery representation.