It is hard to talk about Fred Johnson without mentioning that he is the most prolific painter of sideshow banners. Being unclear if that prolific stature came from his art style, body of work, location of studio, or a combination of all of it, he clearly is the most popular name among collectors, or maybe…
You may have a sideshow banner that you would like to know the value of, or you may be in the market to buy one and want to know what you should pay. Whatever the case, we can help you. The Criteria for Appraisal Sideshow banners are very unique vintage items. They are often one…
View the original article on Live Auctioneers here. NEW YORK — Handpainted on canvas, vintage circus sideshow banners — some measuring up to 30 feet in width — were designed to titillate and shock circus-goers. A form of on-site advertising, they offered entry (for an additional fee, of course) to view sword swallowers, knife throwers,…
One of the most illusive, seemingly mysterious, and sought after banner artists of all time was Snap Wyatt. His name alone has been the subject of awe, when many think “that’s the coolest name ever.” Yet some believe that Snap Wyatt may be “the most important name” in banner art. His banners have such a…
We were happy to work with the great Johnny Meah and sponsor a book by Johnny and our owner, Michael Papa Painters of the Peculiar is a guide book to sideshow banner artists and their respective work. Since this form of art is only now being seriously considered and respected, the purpose of this book…