Schwitters: ‘The ultimate total Merzwork…....distinguished by fusion of all factors (even people..) into a total work of art’.

Schwitters used the word ‘Merzbau’ or ‘Merz building’ to describe the monumental assemblages which he created. These constructions reflected his special interest in architecture. He was the master of the throwaway and he worked from the environment around him. His constructions changed in character depending on the materials he found.

Schwitters made the first Merz building in his house at the Waldhausenstrasse 5, in Hanover between 1927 and 1935. It has been destroyed by Allied bombing in 1943.
(Movie mid-april 1945 click here)

He created his second Merz building in Lysaker, Norway between 1937 and 1940. It was abandoned in an early state with the German invasion and perished without a trace in a fire in 1951, which was caused by playing children.



Schwitters hut on the island Hjertoya.

His final Merz building was the Merzbarn at Elterwater, near Ambleside, Lake district, England, 1947/1948). In 1965 the wall was removed from the barn and transported to the Hatton Gallery in Newcastle where it is now on public display.


Click on the images to continue