It was established in association with the National Library of Australia under the direction of a trust chaired by Sir Percy Spender and was the first systematic attempt to compile a comprehensive photographic record of the birds of any country.
Images were evaluated by independent selection panels and assessed under three criteria: scientific value, technical quality and artistic appeal.
Established sixteen years ago as a primarily scientific reference, the Index has become a unique collection of the best work of Australia’s most distinguished wildlife photographers and, almost inevitably, its informative content is inextricable from beauty.
Our “Twentieth-century Gould” is designed as much for dipping into as for reading.”[3]Strahan says in his foreword to the final volume in the series: ”In addition to creating an administrative basis for the project, Trounson’s main contribution was to recruit a uniquely comprehensive photographic coverage of the birds of Australia, calling upon the resources of virtually every wildlife photographer – professional or amateur – in the nation.”[4]”Altogether, some 40 people have been responsible for the creation of the series, which comprises almost 4000 pages.
Vincent Serventy edited the first two volumes, while I have had the honour, and travail, of supervising the remainder.”[4]”Donald Trounson was highly skilled in raising funds from government and corporate sources.