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Richard Hamilton (far left, in cap) visiting the Merz Barn, 1965 (Photo Mike McNay Bob Smithies)
Artist Richard Hamilton, having 're-discovered' the Merz Barn in the early 1960s, undertook the task of preserving the Merz Barn end wall and artwork. After failing to interest the Tate and the Arts Council in saving the work, he persuaded Laing construction company to provide help, and arranged to have the wall taken to the Hatton Gallery at Newcastle University for safe keeping.
Since the barn wall was rather fragile it had to be moved all in one piece, and a metal lifting frame was welded in place around the barn end wall to allow it to be lifted out in one section. Lowered horizontally onto a pantechnicon the wall was then transported to Newcastle, on 22nd September 1965. 
The Merz Wall being hoisted up out of the barn for removal to the Hatton Gallery, Newcastle (© Fred Brookes)
Related Links
The bizarre journey of Schwitters' Merzbarn www.kunstgeografie.nl
Moving the Merzbarn www.fredbrookes.co.uk
The Merz wall being dropped into place 1966 (© Fred Brookes)
After the work arrived in Newcastle it was stored, still in a horizontal position, in a frost-proof environment until 21st January 1966, when it was lifted into a vertical position and lowered into the Hatton Gallery through a large slot cut into the roof. Now in the care of the Tyne and Wear Museums service, the Merz Barn wall at the Hatton Art Gallery is being promoted as one of the NE region's international cultural treasures, and forms the centerpiece of the Great Northern Museum's art collections. 
Tyne & Wear Museums Director Alec Coles in front of the Merz Barn with corporate sponsors, Barney Frith, partner at Watson Burton LLP and Charles May, managing director at Brewin Dolphin
With growing interest on the part of artists, scholars and the public in re-evaluating Schwitters' contribution to British art and architecture, it is important to find new ways of documenting and understanding the artist's life and work.
The Merz Barn artwork in the Hatton Gallery
(L-R) Dr Paul Thirkell, Derek Pullen (Tate Britian), Prof. Steve Hoskins and Adam Lowe (Factum Arte)
Copyright 2011 by LITTORAL. All rights reserved. LITTORAL is a non-profit arts trust which promotes new creative partnerships, critical art practices and cultural strategies in response to issues about social, environmental and economic change. LITTORAL 42, Lodge Mill Lane, Turn Village, Ramsbottom BL0 0RW, UK. Tel/Fax: +44 (0)1706 827 961 e-mail:Ian@littoral.org.uk.