Culture: Kenneth Clark – Looking for Civilisation

This exhibition explores the impact of art historian, public servant and broadcaster Kenneth Clark (1903–1983), widely seen as one of the most influential figures in British art of the twentieth century. The exhibition examines Clark’s role as a patron and collector, art historian, public servant and broadcaster, and celebrates his contribution to bringing art in the twentieth century to a more popular audience.

The exhibition focuses predominantly on Clark’s activities in the 1930s and 1940s when he was a leading supporter and promoter of contemporary British art and artists. Using his own wealth to help artists, Clark would not only buy works from those he admired but also provides financial support to allow them to work freely, offered commissions, and worked to ensure artists’ works entered prestigious collections. Believing that a crisis in patronage had led artists to become too detached from the rest of society, Clark promoted a representational art that was both modern and rooted in tradition.

Name of the event: Kenneth Clark – Looking for Civilisation

Date: 20 May – 10 August 2014

Venue: Tate Britain: Exhibition

Address: Millbank, London SW1P 4RG

Reserved tickets from: booking essential

Price of ticket from: Adult £11.00 (without donation £10.00), under 12s go free (up to four per parent or guardian)

Type of event: cultural event

Performer(s):

URL: http://www.tate.org.uk/