Kurt Schwitters’ barn art restoration in the Lake District

Kurt Schwitters, a prominent German dada artist, fled the Nazis and settled in the Lake District, where he created his final work, the Merz Barn, before his death in 1948. This unique structure combined dry-stone walling with biomorphic plaster forms, representing Schwitters' private art during his exile. The Merz Barn's decorated wall was removed in the 1960s and is currently housed at the Hatton Gallery in Newcastle. The Factum Foundation, led by Lowe, aims to restore Schwitters' legacy by recreating the Merz Barn and its intricate wall using digital technology. The project is set in the Cylinders Estate in Elterwater, which Lowe envisions transforming into a vibrant cultural hub for artists and scholars. This initiative reflects a broader effort to preserve Schwitters' artistic contributions and provide a space for creative collaboration. Schwitters' earlier work, The Cathedral of Erotic Misery, was destroyed during World War II, further emphasizing the importance of preserving his remaining creations. The project also includes the preservation of a potato shed on the Norwegian island of Hjertøya, which contains layers of historical newspapers from Hitler's Germany. Lowe's dedication to this restoration is inspired by his past experiences with notable artists, including Richard Hamilton and Marcel Duchamp. By reuniting the Merz Barn with its original wall, Lowe hopes to honor Schwitters' vision and ensure that future generations can appreciate his innovative approach to art.