
Kenneth Clark
Looking for Civilisation
Tate Publishing(Author)
Tate Publishing
Published on 1. August 2014
Book
Paperback/Softback
160 pages
978-1-84976-260-1 (ISBN)
Description
Art historian, collector, museum director and broadcaster, Kenneth Clark was one of the leading cultural figures in Britain in the midtwentieth century. Accompanying a major exhibition, this book considers all aspects of his life and work, including his television career that climaxed in the landmark series 'Civilisation'. Particular emphasis is placed on Clark's support of, and influence upon, the art of his time. As director of the National Gallery he oversaw the relocation of the collection during the Second World War. He chaired the pioneering War Artists Advisory Committee, and persauded the government not to conscript artists - Henry Moore was one such artist who greatly benefited from Clark's support. After the war he resigned his directorship to concentrate on writing, in 1954 was co-founder of the broadcasting company that was to become ITV, and chaired the Arts Council from 1955 to 1960. A passionate advocate of art being made accessible to all, in 1969 Clark wrote and presented 'Civilisation' for the BBC, distilling the history of Western philosophy, culture and art into thirteen groundbreaking episodes.
After a period of neglect, there is now considerable interest in Clark among academics, publishers and broadcasters. As well as providing new research and information on Clark, the book is a significant intervention into histories of modern British art.
After a period of neglect, there is now considerable interest in Clark among academics, publishers and broadcasters. As well as providing new research and information on Clark, the book is a significant intervention into histories of modern British art.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Illustrations
100 color illustrations
Dimensions
Height: 263 mm
Width: 198 mm
Thickness: 17 mm
Weight
751 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-84976-260-1 (9781849762601)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Dr Chris Stephens is a senior curator of Modern British Art and Head of Displays at Tate Britain. Dr John-Paul Stonard is an independent scholar and a regular contributor to Burlington Magazine, Artforum and Times Literary Supplement.