Remembering JOHN FREAS, Amsel's art teacher

I’m saddened by the news of John “Jack” Warren Freas’ passing yesterday, December 29^th.

Freas was one of Richard Amsel’s art teachers at the Philadelphia College of Art (later renamed The University of the Arts, which closed in 2024). An accomplished artist and illustrator himself, he was also an avid book collector, and ran a longstanding antiquarian bookstore, Tamerlane Books, from his home in Havertown, PA.

I met Freas there in June of 2017, along with his lovely wife, Betty. They were both extremely gracious. Jack gave an insightful interview about Amsel’s years as a student in his class, and how impressed he was with Amsel’s subsequent career and body of work.  

I stayed in touch with Jack over the years via email and social media. He was very kind to me after my father died, and remained supportive of my documentary.

I last spoke to him over the phone upon hearing of Betty’s passing in 2023. I was heartbroken for him, and regret that it took such a sad occasion for me to reach out to him again. I’ll be forever grateful for his thoughtfulness.

My deepest sympathies go out to all his family and friends.