Kurt Schwitters ‘DIY’ Summer School for architects, craft/design artists and art students will take place between 14th and 22nd July 2017 at the Merz Barn site, Elterwater, Cumbria – the site of Kurt Schwitters’ last Merzbau experiment.
“Schwitters’ Merzbau experiments were an important influence on the development of early modern architecture..” (Rem Koolhaas, OMA)
The Summer School will offer creative workshop opportunities*, architectural experiments and construction skills projects located in the dramatic landscapes of the Lake District National Park:
- Merzbau Art Museum: design and construction of large scale architectural models as the basis for a future Kurt Schwitters Merzbau art museum; the narratives of Kurt Schwitters’ four Merzbauten projects (1923-48)
- New Rural Design and Architecture workshop skills: learn traditional rural craft construction skills – dry stone walling, coppice/benders, and sleeping pods in the orchard;
- Traditional scything, hay rope making and hay meadow management: an introduction to the use of the Austrian (light) and English (heavy) scythes; basic scything skills, grass architecture and hay rope making, and basic introduction to hay meadow ecology and management;
- Self-directed projects: e.g. in painting, drawing, photography, video, audio arts, and printmaking, etc., are also encouraged.
There is a small gallery and tools store on site, but students are responsible for their own materials, food and cooking arrangements.
*NB the workshops are informal and programmed according to demand. They can also be offered as one or two half day intensives by arrangement so that people can mix.
Highlight of each KSDIY Summer School – music, food and BBQs!!
Fees: £195 including fully equipped bunk barn accommodation (9 nights) and workshops tuition £100 non-bunk barn, free use of camping facilities, showers, etc. on site at the Merz Barn
For further information and bookings please contact: The Merz Barn project (Ian or Celia) More details are available upon request.
email: littoral@btopenworld.com
tel: 015394 37309
mobile: 07796 617167
web-site: https://merzbarnlangdale.wordpress.com/