Civilisation

television series by Clark

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June 24, 2026

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The television series Civilisation was written and narrated by British art historian Kenneth Mackenzie Clark, Baron Clark. Broadcast by the BBC in 1969, the series presented a broad overview of European art from the Dark Ages to the 20th century. While praised for Clark's engaging communication style and extensive knowledge, some art historians critiqued its simplified approach to the subject matter. The series was accompanied by a book of the same title, also written by Clark.1

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Kenneth Mackenzie Clark, Baron Clark
…wrote and narrated a series, Civilisation, for BBC television in 1969. This series, a sweeping panorama of European art from the Dark Ages to the 20th century, made Clark internationally known. While the series demonstrated Clark’s erudition, enthusiasm, and talent as a communicator, it was criticized by some art historians…
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…wrote and narrated a series, Civilisation, for BBC television in 1969. This series, a sweeping panorama of European art from the Dark Ages to the 20th century, made Clark internationally known. While the series demonstrated Clark’s erudition, enthusiasm, and talent as a communicator, it was criticized by some art historians…
Read More