Kenneth Clark wasn’t happy simply popularising art, he liked to collect it and shape it too

Earlier this year, I sat down and watched Kenneth Clark’s groundbreaking TV series Civilisation. I vaguely remember when it was first screened in 1969, but was too young to appreciate it properly. This time around it made splendid Sunday afternoon viewing: Clark’s distinctive blend of authority and humour, his ability to convey information and enthusiasm without the slightest trace of condescension, coupled with effective camerawork and good editing, make a rich and stimulating brew of word, image and music. The series, which was commissioned by David Attenborough and brilliantly directed by Michael Gill, established a model for all subsequent arts documentaries. Not only did I learn a lot from its 13 episodes, I also enjoyed it enormously as entertainment. I’ve a feeling it won’t be long before I give it another airing…

Kenneth Clark (1903–83) was a remarkable man: scholar and collector, arts administrator and public servant, the youngest ever director of the National Gallery (1934–45), and in the 1950s, as chairman of the Independent Broadcasting Authority, he oversaw the creation of ITV.