Civilisation (TV series)

Civilisation (TV series). A landmark 1969 British television documentary series presented by art historian Kenneth Clark. Written and produced for BBC Two by David Attenborough, the series traces the development of Western art, architecture, and philosophy from the Dark Ages to the 20th century. Its ambitious scope and Clark's authoritative, personal narration made it a defining moment in cultural broadcasting, establishing a template for future documentary epics.

Overview

Commissioned by David Attenborough as a flagship program for the fledgling BBC Two, *Civilisation* was conceived as a high-quality, color television series that could showcase the network's capabilities. The series was structured as a personal journey by Kenneth Clark, who served as both writer and presenter, offering his interpretation of Western cultural achievements. Filmed over two years across 11 countries and 117 locations, including landmarks like Westminster Abbey, the Sistine Chapel, and Chartres Cathedral, it was a monumental production for its time. The series aimed to define the very idea of Western culture through its artistic and intellectual triumphs, from the fall of the Roman Empire through the Renaissance and the Age of Enlightenment.

Production and broadcast

The production was a massive logistical undertaking, directed by Michael Gill and Peter Montagnon, with a score composed by Edwin Astley. Filming took the crew to locations across Europe and the United States, utilizing early color film technology to capture artworks and architecture in unprecedented detail. It premiered on BBC Two on 23 February 1969 and ran for 13 episodes, concluding on 18 May 1969. The series was subsequently broadcast in the United States on National Educational Television, the precursor to PBS, where it garnered a significant intellectual audience. Its success led to international sales, companion books, and a highly influential format that inspired later series like Alistair Cooke's *America* and Jacob Bronowski's *The Ascent of Man*.

Content and themes

Each episode focused on a specific era or theme, beginning with "The Skin of Our Teeth," which examined the survival of civilization after the collapse of the Roman Empire. Clark explored pivotal movements such as the Gothic revolution, the Italian Renaissance—highlighting figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo—and the Protestant Reformation. He contrasted the rationalism of the Enlightenment in France with the emotional fervor of the Romantic movement, discussing composers like Ludwig van Beethoven and the poetry of William Wordsworth. A central, recurring theme was Clark's concern for the fragility of civilization, particularly in the face of 20th-century threats, which he addressed in the final episode, "Heroic Materialism."

Critical reception and legacy

Upon its release, the series was met with widespread critical acclaim for its intellectual ambition, stunning visuals, and Clark's erudite yet accessible presentation. It was praised in publications like *The Times* and *The New Yorker*. However, it later faced scholarly critique for its exclusive focus on the Western canon, overlooking contributions from Asia, Africa, and the Islamic world, and for its traditional, "great man" view of history. Despite these criticisms, its impact on television was profound, proving that lengthy, serious documentary series could attract large audiences. It directly paved the way for the creation of BBC Two's subsequent documentary milestones and influenced generations of filmmakers and broadcasters.

Awards and recognition

*Civilisation* received numerous accolades, including a prestigious Peabody Award for its outstanding contribution to television. The series also won a British Academy Television Award for Best Specialised Programme. Its companion book, authored by Clark, became an international bestseller. In 2005, the series was ranked 12th in the British Film Institute's list of the 100 Greatest British Television Programmes. Its format and success were instrumental in establishing the reputation of BBC Two as a home for high-quality factual programming and inspired the creation of similar series by PBS in the United States.

Category:1969 British television series debuts Category:BBC documentary television series