Proposals for a Merzbau Museum and Kurt Schwitters study centre
Tetris House, PLASMA Studios London
Apart from the Schwitters Archiv at the Sprengel Museum in Hannover, and the Merz Barn wall at the Hatton Gallery in Newcastle, there is no permanent gallery facility or public museum in England devoted exclusively to the work and life of Kurt Schwitters.
Artists, curators and scholars would also benefit by having a study centre where they could come to research and access (on-line) all the available information relating to Schwitters’ works, and the Merzbau projects. Once funding becomes available, it is planned to invite leading architecture practices to participate in an international competition to design a future Merzbau museum and Kurt Schwitters study centre.
Ian’s Acknowledgement
In May 1989, NY artist colleague Betty Beaumont traveled up to Cumbria to try and locate the site of the Merz Barn. Although unsuccessful, her creative act and great generosity of spirit inspired me to begin this journey that is now, some twenty years on, we hope about to bear fruit. Thank you Betty!
Spadeadam, UNITED KINGDOM