© Kurt und Ernst Schwitters Stiftung

This assemblage was created in 1947 whilst Kurt Schwitters was living in Ambleside. It is an organic piece inspired by the materials and landscapes he would have seen all around him as he took the local bus through the valley to reach the Merzbarn in Elterwater, his ultimate Merz project . A simple twig, nailed to a piece of wood, on a wooden backboard painted in muted natural tones is very representative of the scenery in which Schwitters was now living and working. It typifies the scavenger in him as he rescued pieces of driftwood from the lakeshores and twigs from the surrounding woodland. Nothing would go unnoticed and seemingly irrelevant objects inspired him.

It would not be surprising if he had intended the work to be displayed in the Merzbarn on completion.

The people of 1940s Ambleside did not understand this type of assemblage; even his portraits and landscapes confounded some. Schwitters himself admitted, “In England, you must not see any brushstrokes on the surface of the picture. My pictures have brushstrokes, therefore I have difficulties.”

Schwitters’ time in Ambleside is hugely important because of the Merzbarn in Elterwater and because of the inspiration he drew from the countryside. “It is really great nature here. I think it is the best part of England.”  He was at ease in his new surroundings and as Wantee said, “I don’t think he wanted to do anything else but stay in the Lake District and paint.”

© Kurt und Ernst Schwitters Stiftung
 

The work now returns to its permanent home after an absence of 55 years.  It's acquisition has been made possible by grants from the Re:source/Victoria and Albert Museum Purchase Grant Fund and the National Art Collections Fund as well as donations and loans. 

The future of the assemblage however is still not secure as we need to raise the last few thousands to complete the purchase.  If you would like to help secure its long term future back in the town in which it was created, please contact Tanya at info@armitt.com or telephone her at 015394 31212