Art In Australia Third Series - Number Twelve _____________________________________________________________________________ Summary Art in Australia, was first issued in 1916 as a premium art magazine. It was edited and championed by none other than Sydney Ure Smith, graphic artist and director of the advertising agency, Smith and Julius. Production standards were exacting and the editors oversaw the photography of art and its printed reproduction to the highest quality available. Some of their work, particularly those works with an Art Deco feel, are still stand-outs today. Over 26 years Art in Australia was published in four series.  The first series produced eleven volumes all with card covers from 1916 to 1921.  In addition a Deluxe edition, limited to 40 copies with 30 for sale, each contained an engraver's proof print (a reproduction) signed by the artist. Publication for the first series was was semi-annually. The Second Series (called the New Series) was a larger format with only two volumes produced in Feb 1922 and March 1922. The Third Series was the most prolific commencing August 1922 until November 1940 - total run of 81 volumes. Series Four saw the production of six volumes from March 1941 to June 1942. Art in Australia was always conceived as a flagship for Australian painting and graphic art, becoming the most important resource on Australian art in the first half of the twentieth century.  Robert Holden wrote that the magazine became a showcase of Australian printing ability setting new standards of advertising excellence, Artistic layout, quality graphic work in colour, an harmonious choice of typography and carefully worded text. For over a quarter of a century, and through its different formats, Art in Australia reviewed and discussed all aspects of Australian art exhibited in both commercial public galleries and private galleries. Its longevity as a journal was due to its modern approach to design, with many covers being icons of art deco style in themselves. Art in Australia Ltd in the years 1918-1934, and in its final decade 1934-1942, was published by the Sydney Morning Herald. From 1922 Leon Gellert took over editorship from Stevens and Jones, continuing in the position with Ure Smith until both retiring in 1938. Publication was erratic. Semi-annually 1916 to 1920, quarterly from 1921 to 1930, bimonthly from 1930 to 1933 and back to quarterly from 1934 to 1942. It would be 21 years before another premium Art magazine would be published.  It was titled Art and Australia and was published by Ure Smith's son Sam. About This Magazine Third Series - Number Twelve Like all Art in Australia Series Three Magazines this volume has soft Yap card boards which are both the dust wrapper and the magazine boards.  The cover edges are folded under. The dust wrapper/cover spine has been reinforced with  a new spine cover which has helped the magazine to live to its current age.   All plates tipped in are still in attendance.  The advertising graphic art work is as great as some of the pure art from the various artists championed in the magazine.   The publication/printing standards are very good. Please check pictures and don't hesitate to ask if you have any queries! 41