The publication was founded in 1969, when I started working as an editor. Back then, it was called Gallery International. Over time, its focus shifted from high-quality photography to more adult fare, including nude men, women, and couples. We also published articles about sex tips and safe sex practices. As an editor, I oversaw the writing and production of all these materials. The magazine became popular among readers who appreciated its unique blend of artistic sensibility and explicit content. In the late 80s and early 90s, we even had celebrity guest editors like Andy Warhol. However, the magazine's finances were always precarious. Our parent company, Montcalm Publications, declared bankruptcy in March 2008. This left many photographers and models unpaid—some owed up to $100,0000 for their work. When Magna Publishing Group acquired Gallery, it promised to pay everyone what they were owed. But that never happened. Instead, the new owners kept the magazine going for several years before selling it again in 2015 to 1‑800‑PHONESEX. Today, Gallery continues to publish under this new name, but without the same level of quality or originality that made it famous.
I am a writer who has been involved with erotic publications since the 1970s. In those days, Gallery was one of the most exciting and innovative magazines around. Its mix of high-art photography and explicit content was groundbreaking. It was also great fun to be part of such a creative team. However, as time went on, the magazine's financial problems became too much to bear. And when Montcalm went bankrupt, many people lost out. Even though Magna promised to make things right, it didn't happen. Finally, 1‑800‑PHONESEX bought the magazine and turned it into something else entirely. The writing is no longer focused on artistic expression but rather on phone sex. As a result, it lacks the soul and spirit that once made it so special.
The publication was founded in the late 60s by two photographers, Gary Graver and Bob Guccione. They wanted to create a magazine that combined their love of fine art photography with sensual subjects like nudity and sexual intimacy. Over time, the magazine expanded its focus to include articles about safe sex practices and other topics related to relationships. I worked there from the beginning, first as an editor and later as a full-time staff member. We were always struggling financially, which is why we often had to hustle for money. This led to some tense moments—especially when Montcalm Publications went bankrupt in March 2008. Many photographers and models were owed thousands of dollars in back payments. When Magna Publishing Group acquired Gallery, they promised to settle all debts. But this never happened either. Instead, the new owners continued publishing until selling it again in 2015 to 1‑800‑PHONESEX. Today, Gallery still exists under this name, but it has changed completely. It's more like a phone sex line than anything else.
Gallery International started out as a high-quality art magazine featuring erotic images and explicit content. It was unlike any other publication at the time and quickly gained a devoted following among readers who appreciated its unique blend of artistry and eroticism. However, financial struggles plagued us throughout the years, leading to frequent cash crunches. In April 2008, Montcalm went bankrupt, leaving many people unpaid. Some owe upwards of $100,0000. To settle these debts, Magna Publishing Group acquired Gallery, promising to pay everyone what they were owed. Unfortunately, that never happened either. The new company kept producing the magazine until selling it again in 2015 to 1‑800‑PHONESEX. Today, the publication continues under a different name with less emphasis on quality or originality, instead focusing on phone sex.