Art In Australia Third Series - Number Twenty  _____________________________________________________________________________ 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-annual  The Second Series called the New Series was a larger format and only two volumes were produced  The first in Feb 1922 and the second in March 1922 The third series was by far the most prolific.  It commenced in August 1922 until November in 1940,  A total run of 81 volumes Series four saw the production of six volumes from March 1941 until June 1942. Art in Australia was always conceived  as a flagship for Australian painting and graphic art, and has become the most important resource on Australian art in the first half of the twentieth century.  Robert Holden writes "The magazine became a showcase of Australian printing ability and set new standards of advertising excellence". "Artistic layout, quality graphic work in colour, an harmonious choice of typography and carefully worded text were all combined". 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 retired in 1938. Publication was erratic - it was semi-annual 1916-1920, quarterly 1921-1930, bimonthly 1930-1933,  and back to quarterly 1934-1942. 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 Twenty  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 chipped with small tears on the yap foredges. 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.   Please check pictures and don't hesitate to ask if you have any queries! 41