Merz Lives On

A random series of jottings about Kurt Schwitters, his time in the Lake District and our future plans for the Armitt. We aim to raise awareness of the phenomenal talent which this area saw for too few years. In time we hope to include a "Kurt Schwitters Centre" as part of our expansion plans, dedicated to the memory of KS and as an educational resource for all. The pictures below include images of his most famous work, the 'Merzbarn' constructed in a small stone barn in nearby Elterwater. The one finished structure was removed to prevent deterioration and is now on display at the Hatton Gallery in Newcastle.

KS at Cylinders with Bill Pierce and Wantee 1947 To the right is the skyline of the Langdale Pikes 2004
Detail of the Merzbau 1964 Such truncated views cannot give the viewer much feel for the work. It has to be seen full scale in Newcastle at the Hatton Gallery - and then viewed in perspective as only one of the features which would have filled the inside of the Barn.	The Skylight in the Merzbarn 1964 The Roof and skylight were added by Harry Pierce at KS' request, the skylight was an essential part of his design for the Barn.
Cylinders Farm is in the trees in the centre of the picture, beyond the stone house.	Cylinders Farm 2002
Merzbarn 2002	Cylinders Farm 1960s
Interior 2002 The wall on the left now sports a window, where once the original wall and its attached sculpture existed.	Landscapes in the Mezbarn 1964 Kurt Schwitters always envisaged that the Merzbarn would be filled with displays of his paintings, collages, assemblages and sculptures. This landscape looks remarkably like the Langdale Pikes, seen in the top picture.