History

McCulloch's Encyclopedia of Australian Art started as a scrapbook of cuttings collected from 1944 by its founding author, Alan McCulloch, art critic, author and gallery director.

As the 37 year old critic of The Argus in Melbourne, he was often asked for such material and began collecting information and writing notes about Australian art and artists during this time. Travel and life in the US, Europe and London, from 1946 suspended these activities. They recommenced on McCulloch’s return to Australia in 1951 and appointment as art critic for The Herald.

The valuable collated material on Australian artists, galleries, exhibitions, curators and other art related information grew and began to turn into an idea for a comprehensive Encyclopedia which would put into context, for the first time, the vibrant art of Australia.

His autobiographical information, written as a critical analysis, combined with all the other aspects, created the first comprehensive survey of the entire history of Australian art.

For Alan, it was the book that he, and indeed anyone working in or with an interest in the art of Australia desperately needed.

The book was first published in 1968, by UK publishers Hutchinson. It quickly evolved into a standard text, used in Australian schools, galleries, libraries and universities. For many, it has been their introduction to Australian art.

The Encyclopedia has since had numerous reprints, updates and 2 entirely revised editions published in 1984 and 1994.

Alan’s vast breadth of knowledge of Australian art has been a large part of the success of the book. As art critic for The Herald for over 30 years, and friend of many artists, Alan’s individual critical analysis of Australian artists, from colonial times through to the 20th Century, remains of key significance to the style and success of the Encyclopedia.

Students, academics, writers and art collectors alike have trusted and respected his knowledge and opinion since the book’s inception, and many use the Encyclopedia as a valuable tool when seeking an honest opinion of an artist’s ouvre.

By the 1980s, the book had become known as the ‘bible’ of Australian art, and ‘have you looked in McCulloch's?’ had become a standard question for anyone wanting to know about Australian art.

By the late 1980s Alan, then himself around 80, decided finally that he would like a little help. The spotlight did not turn far from home. As an arts writer and publisher as well as one who had grown up with the family bible', Alan’s daughter Susan McCulloch was the logical choice. So she and Alan started on Encyclopedia mark 3. But, in 1992 aged 85, Alan died and Susan continued with the third edition, published in 1994.

Updated entirely by Susan, with several essays written by Jenny Zimmer, the 1994 edition was a triumphant success for Australian arts publishing. The book was completely re-designed to make the burdensome two volumes one easy-to-use single volume, published in Australia by Allen & Unwin.

The 1994 Encyclopedia included much new material on Aboriginal art and women artists, as well as many of the most interesting artists and new movements of the 1980s and early 1990s.

Like her father before her, Susan’s wide breadth of knowledge and often personal knowledge of Australian artists is respected and sought after. Her addition to the Encyclopedia provided a contemporary voice.

By 2003 it was time again for another update. Emily, Susan’s daughter, came on board as co-author, making this book a unique three-generation dynastical affair. Like her mother before her, she has added her knowledge of contemporary art to the Encyclopedia, providing additional material on new media, street art essays and artists, as well as co-writing the new individual section on Aboriginal art.

McCulloch's 2006 is a very different but also very similar book to its previous editions. It includes much of Alan’s wonderful writings on historical artists and those whose careers he covered so closely for over 60 years, as well as Susan’s own additions from 1994, yet these have been revised and updated, and much new material has been added.

The new edition is much bigger that its predecessors, reflecting the growth in the art world since 1994. Australian Aboriginal art has been one of the most noticeable growth areas, so this edition begins with 200 pages of Aboriginal art and artists. For the first time the two 'arts’ of Australia come together in a major reference text.

Since the last (1994) edition there has been an explosion of interest in Australian art – especially that of contemporary and indigenous art.

Australia has become a cafe and restaurant society and art has now become part of this lifestyle. A key strength of this book is its critical base. This ranges from selection of entries (based on a solid set of criteria) to descriptive texts on artists and their works, those of significant aspects or events in Australian art.

It is this critical factor accompanied by detailed and comprehensive factual material which gives the Encyclopedia its character and the standing it has maintained since it was first published in 1968.

Even now, two years after the publication of the the 4th Edition, the Encyclopedia is still selling strongly and remains a popular gift item. In fact we are down to just a few copies. With the introduction of the Encyclopedia back into the UK market through Thames & Hudson UK in March 2009, the McCulloch's opus looks sure to continue to delight and educate Australian art lovers the world over.