Does Sears sell real named artist in their stores?

I ask this question because I bought a very large painting that is very well framed. On the verso, on the frame, is a price from Sears. The painting is signed James Wilson. The painting doesn't look like it's been framed in a different frame before. The price tag, I believe, is way to much just for a frame.

 

Sears used to sell all kinds of things through their catalogs that were handmade. It wouldn't surprise me that you could buy an original painting from them. I like the stargazers. Nice piece.

 

Yes, Sears was actively involved in the art market for a while (1960s, 70s...). Most famously they worked with Vincent Price to assemble their offerings...including original prints by famous artists.

They also had a lot of decorator stuff by now forgotten or obscure artists.

 

Oh, I had forgotten about that! Gee, I can remember when that was happening. What a surprise it was to learn that Vincent Price, the horror movie star, was an art connoisseur and that Sears was selling real honest-to-goodness art work. It seems Sears had been selling original art since the turn-of-the-century, but now - in the '50s - Price was organizing and advising Sears on art.

http://www.bestofneworleans.com/blogofneworleans/archives/2011/04/12/vincent-price-contradictions

His House of Wax was the first horror movie I saw, and close to the last one I ever wanted to see. Gosh, that was a terrible movie for 2 pre-adolescent girls to sneak off to see against their parents orders.

--- Susan

 

Ahhh Lady thank you....
that brought back memories of a very young me and a pal sneaking off to the bad side of town to see our 1st racy movie.....I an Curious Yellow !