It was during the period 1946-47, after he learned that the Hanover Merbau was destroyed completely, that he seems to have conceived the idea of the new Merzbau.

His only income came from his naturalistic paintings which he sold to local people and to visitors from the steps of a tourist attraction in the town, and from a monthly stipend of ₤ 5, which he recieved from a german friend in Londoon, Dr. Walter Dux, each installment of which he reciprocated bij sending an assemblage or collage.

In April 1947 however, the Museum of Modern Art agreed that a grant of ₤ 1,000 would be provided for Schwitters to make a new Merzbau, and this allowed him the financial independence for him to begin work. They held a tea party at Cylinders to celebrate.


photo: At Cylinders on Schwitters birthday, june 20, 1947, with Bill Pierce and Edith Thomas. In his pocket the fellowship award letter from the museum of Modern Art.