The MerzBox Catalogue

the caseroom press presents:

THE MERZBOX C ATA L O G U E To facilitate the creation of a singular selection box, a brushsalesman’s suitcase.

The MerzBox Catalogue contains images and ordering information from the collection of bits and pieces which forms the ongoing project based on folkloreist Jack Zipes’ book: Lucky Hans and other Merz Fairy Tales by Kurt Schwitters.

It includes prints, multiples, objects and original artwork by a number of invited collaborators and represents a rare and delightful opportunity to connect with the spirit of Merz.

THE MERZBOX

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the caseroom press presents:

THE MERZBOX CONTENTS Introduction The Colour Prints The Assemblages The Objects The Black and White Prints The Contributors The Exhibition Ordering Information: Please contact Irvine Peacock (irvine@the-case.co.uk)

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THE MERZBOX

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the caseroom press presents:

THE MERZBOX INTRODUCTION The MerzBox is a box of wonders. The MerzBox can contain drawings, prints, objects, assemblages and artworks based on the fairy stories of the revolutionary German artist Kurt Schwitters.

Each MerzBox will be created to order by the buyer themselves, a box of delights tailored to their own visual and tactile palate.

The items that form the content of the boxes are artists’ responses to individual stories – taken from the book Lucky Hans and other Merz Tales (Princeton University Press, 2009. Translated and Introduced

by Jack Zipes, illustrated by Irvine Peacock).

This is the third collaboration between The Caseroom Press and Jack Zipes. Our first, Tales to Change the World is now available and Utopian Tales will be published in the near future.

To create your own MerzBox or order individual items from the catalogue, please contact Irvine Peacock (irvine@the-case.co.uk) for details.

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THE MERZBOX

IRVINE PEACOCK Scarecrow #1 Colour Archival Print Edition of 50 archival print on wove pape Signed, titled, numbered in pencil Paper Size 360 mm x 280 with artist’s blindstamp £35 each

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THE COLOUR PRINTS

IRVINE PEACOCK Scarecrow #2 Colour Archival Print Edition of 50 archival print on wove paper Signed, titled, numbered in pencil Paper Size 360 mm x 280 mm with artist’s blindstamp £35 each

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THE MERZBOX

IRVINE PEACOCK Happy Country Colour Archival Print Edition of 50 archival print on wove paper Signed, titled, numbered in pencil Paper Size 360 mm x 280 mm with artist’s blindstamp £45 each

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IRVINE PEACOCK Flying Fish Colour Archival Print Edition of 50 archival print on wove paper Signed, titled, numbered in pencil Paper Size 360 mm x 280 mm with artist’s blindstamp £35 each

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THE MERZBOX

IRVINE PEACOCK A Story about a Rabbit Colour Archival Print Edition of 50 archival print on wove paper Signed, titled, numbered in pencil Paper Size 360 mm x 280 mm with artist’s blindstamp £35 each

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THE MERZBOX

IRVINE PEACOCK Lucky Hans Colour Archival Print Edition of 50 archival print on wove paper Signed, titled, numbered in pencil Paper Size 360 mm x 280 mm with artist’s blindstamp £35 each

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IRVINE PEACOCK He Colour Archival Print Edition of 100 archival print on wove paper Signed, titled, numbered in pencil Paper Size 360 mm x 280 mm with artist’s blindstamp £40 each

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THE MERZBOX

IRVINE PEACOCK The Little ClockSpirit and the Lovers Colour Archival Print Edition of 50 archival print on wove paper Signed, titled, numbered in pencil Paper Size 360 mm x 280 mm with artist’s blindstamp £35 each

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IRVINE PEACOCK Fish and Man Colour Archival Print Edition of 50 archival print on wove paper Signed, titled, numbered in pencil Paper Size 360 mm x 280 mm with artist’s blindstamp £35 each

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THE MERZBOX

IRVINE PEACOCK Fairy Tale Colour Archival Print Edition of 50 archival print on wove paper Signed, titled, numbered in pencil Paper Size 360 mm x 280 mm with artist’s blindstamp £35 each

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BARRIE TULLETT The Little ClockSpirit and the Lovers Letterpress print on paper Edintion of 12 Signed, titled, numbered in pencil Approx 297 mm x 210 mm ÂŁ50

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THE MERZBOX

BARRIE TULLETT Lucky Hans Letterpress print on paper Edintion of 12 Signed, titled, numbered in pencil Approx 297 mm x 210 mm ÂŁ50

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THE ASSEMBLAGES

IRVINE PEACOCK Zeit Assemblage archival print and plywood cut out Edition of 2 Signed, titled, numbered in pencil approx 220 mm x 160 mm with label on reverse ÂŁ210 each

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THE MERZBOX

IRVINE PEACOCK Happy Country Assemblage archival print and plywood cut out Edition of 2 Signed, titled, numbered in pencil approx 220 mm x 160 mm with label on reverse ÂŁ180 each

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IRVINE PEACOCK Hans and Grete Assemblage archival print and plywood cut out Edition of 3 Signed, titled, numbered in pencil approx 220 mm x 160 mm with label on reverse ÂŁ150 each

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THE MERZBOX

JANTZE TULLETT The Story about the Rabbit Unique object Felt, thread, machine and hand stitched Approx 250 mm x 185 mm (This is not a toy) ÂŁ60

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THE OBJECTS

JANTZE TULLETT Lucky Hans #1 Unique object Felt (pure wool), silk, machine and hand stitched Approx 200 mm x 140 mm (This is not a toy) ÂŁ90

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THE MERZBOX

JANTZE TULLETT Lucky Hans #2 (detail) Unique object Hessian, silk, wool, buttons, machine and hand stitched Approx 390 mm x 150 mm (This is not a toy) ÂŁ90

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D AV I D R E E K I E The Man with the Glass Nose Glass, wood and found object Unique assemblage Signed and dated 300 mm x 380 mm with label on reverse ÂŁ900

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THE MERZBOX

IRVINE PEACOCK The Guardian of the MerzBox (The Man with the Glass Nose) Oil paint on wooden construction with additions Unique object Signed approx 750 mm h x 415 mm with label on reverse ÂŁ1295

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IRVINE PEACOCK The Guardian of the MerzBox (The Story About The Rabbit) Oil paint on wooden construction with additions Unique object Signed approx 750 mm h x 415 mm with label on reverse ÂŁ1295

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THE MERZBOX

J oe H i g ha m and R oald B adou x The Man With The Glass Nose Sound piece CD Edition of 50, numbered 2 tracks, TMWTGN #1, TMWTGN #2, playtime approx 60 minutes ÂŁ20

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THE BLACK AND WHITE PRINTS

IRVINE PEACOCK The Swineherd and the Great, Illustrious Writer Black and White Archival Print Edition of 500 archival print on wove paper Signed, titled, numbered in pencil Paper Size 290 mm x 210 mm with artist’s blindstamp £15 each

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THE MERZBOX

IRVINE PEACOCK Lucky Hans Black and White Archival Print Edition of 500 archival print on wove paper Signed, titled, numbered in pencil Paper Size 290 mm x 210 mm with artist’s blindstamp £15 each

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IRVINE PEACOCK Happiness Black and White Archival Print Edition of 500 archival print on wove paper Signed, titled, numbered in pencil Paper Size 290 mm x 210 mm with artist’s blindstamp £15 each

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THE MERZBOX

IRVINE PEACOCK The Little ClockSpirit and the Lovers Black and White Archival Print Edition of 500 archival print on wove paper Signed, titled, numbered in pencil Paper Size 290 mm x 210 mm with artist’s blindstamp £15 each

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IRVINE PEACOCK The Proud Young Woman Black and White Archival Print Edition of 500 archival print on wove paper Signed, titled, numbered in pencil Paper Size 290 mm x 210 mm with artist’s blindstamp £15 each

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THE MERZBOX

IRVINE PEACOCK An Old Fairy Tale Black and White Archival Print Edition of 500 archival print on wove paper Signed, titled, numbered in pencil Paper Size 290 mm x 210 mm with artist’s blindstamp £15 each

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IRVINE PEACOCK He Black and White Archival Print Edition of 500 archival print on wove paper Signed, titled, numbered in pencil Paper Size 290 mm x 210 mm with artist’s blindstamp £15 each

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THE MERZBOX

IRVINE PEACOCK Fish and Man Black and White Archival Print Edition of 500 archival print on wove paper Signed, titled, numbered in pencil Paper Size 290 mm x 210 mm with artist’s blindstamp £15 each

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IRVINE PEACOCK The Squinting Doll Black and White Archival Print Edition of 500 archival print on wove paper Signed, titled, numbered in pencil Paper Size 290 mm x 210 mm with artist’s blindstamp £15 each

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THE MERZBOX

IRVINE PEACOCK Three Suitcases Black and White Archival Print Edition of 500 archival print on wove paper Signed, titled, numbered in pencil Paper Size 290 mm x 210 mm with artist’s blindstamp £15 each

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IRVINE PEACOCK Fairy Tale Black and White Archival Print Edition of 500 archival print on wove paper Signed, titled, numbered in pencil Paper Size 290 mm x 210 mm with artist’s blindstamp £15 each

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THE MERZBOX

IRVINE PEACOCK A King without People Black and White Archival Print Edition of 500 archival print on wove paper Signed, titled, numbered in pencil Paper Size 290 mm x 210 mm with artist’s blindstamp £15 each

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IRVINE PEACOCK The Story about the Good Man Black and White Archival Print Edition of 500 archival print on wove paper Signed, titled, numbered in pencil Paper Size 290 mm x 210 mm with artist’s blindstamp £15 each

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THE MERZBOX

IRVINE PEACOCK Happy Country Black and White Archival Print Edition of 500 archival print on wove paper Signed, titled, numbered in pencil Paper Size 290 mm x 210 mm with artist’s blindstamp £15 each

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IRVINE PEACOCK The Story about the Rabbit Black and White Archival Print Edition of 500 archival print on wove paper Signed, titled, numbered in pencil Paper Size 290 mm x 210 mm with artist’s blindstamp £15 each

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THE MERZBOX

IRVINE PEACOCK The Three Wishes Black and White Archival Print Edition of 500 archival print on wove paper Signed, titled, numbered in pencil Paper Size 290 mm x 210 mm with artist’s blindstamp £15 each

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IRVINE PEACOCK The Ugly Young Woman: A Fairy Tale Black and White Archival Print Edition of 500 archival print on wove paper Signed, titled, numbered in pencil Paper Size 290 mm x 210 mm with artist’s blindstamp £15 each

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THE MERZBOX

IRVINE PEACOCK The Two Brothers Black and White Archival Print Edition of 500 archival print on wove paper Signed, titled, numbered in pencil Paper Size 290 mm x 210 mm with artist’s blindstamp £15 each

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IRVINE PEACOCK The Fish and the Ship’s Propeller Black and White Archival Print Edition of 500 archival print on wove paper Signed, titled, numbered in pencil Paper Size 290 mm x 210 mm with artist’s blindstamp £15 each

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THE MERZBOX

IRVINE PEACOCK Transformations Black and White Archival Print Edition of 500 archival print on wove paper Signed, titled, numbered in pencil Paper Size 290 mm x 210 mm with artist’s blindstamp £15 each

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IRVINE PEACOCK Hans and Grete: A Fairy Tale about Children Who Live in the Woods Black and White Archival Print Edition of 500 archival print on wove paper Signed, titled, numbered in pencil Paper Size 290 mm x 210 mm with artist’s blindstamp £15 each

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THE MERZBOX

IRVINE PEACOCK The Fairy Tale about Happiness Black and White Archival Print Edition of 500 archival print on wove paper Signed, titled, numbered in pencil Paper Size 290 mm x 210 mm with artist’s blindstamp £15 each

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IRVINE PEACOCK Normal Insanity Black and White Archival Print Edition of 500 archival print on wove paper Signed, titled, numbered in pencil Paper Size 290 mm x 210 mm with artist’s blindstamp £15 each

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THE MERZBOX

IRVINE PEACOCK What Is Happiness?

Black and White Archival Print Edition of 500 archival print on wove paper Signed, titled, numbered in pencil Paper Size 290 mm x 210 mm with artist’s blindstamp £15 each

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IRVINE PEACOCK The Man with the Glass Nose Black and White Archival Print Edition of 500 archival print on wove paper Signed, titled, numbered in pencil Paper Size 290 mm x 210 mm with artist’s blindstamp £15 each

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THE MERZBOX

IRVINE PEACOCK Once Upon a Time There Was a Tiny Mouse Black and White Archival Print Edition of 500 archival print on wove paper Signed, titled, numbered in pencil Paper Size 290 mm x 210 mm with artist’s blindstamp £15 each

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IRVINE PEACOCK The Flat and the Round Painter Black and White Archival Print Edition of 500 archival print on wove paper Signed, titled, numbered in pencil Paper Size 290 mm x 210 mm with artist’s blindstamp £15 each

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THE MERZBOX

IRVINE PEACOCK London: A Fairy Tale Black and White Archival Print Edition of 500 archival print on wove paper Signed, titled, numbered in pencil Paper Size 290 mm x 210 mm with artist’s blindstamp £15 each

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IRVINE PEACOCK The Flying Fish Black and White Archival Print Edition of 500 archival print on wove paper Signed, titled, numbered in pencil Paper Size 290 mm x 210 mm with artist’s blindstamp £15 each

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THE MERZBOX

IRVINE PEACOCK Twopenny Novel about an Ugly Girl Black and White Archival Print Edition of 500 archival print on wove paper Signed, titled, numbered in pencil Paper Size 290 mm x 210 mm with artist’s blindstamp £15 each

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The CONTRIBUTORS Kurt Schwitters After a traditional education at art academies in Hannover, Dresden, and Berlin from 1909 to 1914, Schwitters served as a machine designer in the German army during World War I. By 1918, given the chaos of the times, he abandoned his imitational artwork and began to develop his special brand of Dadaist art that used association and distortion to question ‘normal’ standards and expectations of art audiences. He soon became known as one of the most experimental painters, sculptors and poets in Germany and worked closely with such other innovative artists as Hans Arp, Theo von Doesburg and Käte Steinitz. Aside from his painting and graphic work, Schwitters wrote unusual stories and fairy tales for children, such as Der Hahnepeter (1924), Die Scheuche (1925), and Die Märchen vom Paradies (1924), which incorporated original designs and print to stimulate the imagination of his readers. He called his unique method MERZkunst, fusing all kinds of aesthetic concepts and found objects in arrangements that challenged the traditional perspective of readers and viewers. The result in his fairy tales is parody, but they also offer new possibilities with regard to the autonomy of the reader. During the 1930s his art and writings were regarded as decadent by the Nazis, and in 1938 he emigrated to Norway. When the Nazis invaded Norway, he fled to England, where he spent the rest of his life painting traditional landscapes and portraits in order to support himself and his son. ‘Das Glück’ was published in the Hannoverscher Kurier, November 25, 1925.

Jack Zipes Jack Zipes is Emeritus Professor of German and Comparative Literature at the University of Minnesota. In addition to his scholarly work, he is an active storyteller in public schools and has worked with children’s theatres in Europe and the United States. At present he directs a storytelling programme in the schools of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Some of his major publications include Breaking the Magic Spell: Radical Theories of Folk and Fairy Tales (1979), Fairy Tales and the Art of Subversion (1983, rev. ed. 2006), Don’t Bet on the Prince: Contemporary Feminist Fairy Tales in North America and England (1986), The Brothers Grimm: From Enchanted Forests to the Modern World (1988), Sticks and Stones: The Troublesome Success of Children’s Literature from Slovenly Peter to Harry Potter (2000), Speaking Out: Storytelling and Creative Drama for Children (2004), Hans Christian Andersen: The Misunderstood Storyteller (2005), and Why Fairy Tales Stick: The Evolution and Relevance of a Genre (2006). He has also translated The Complete Fairy

Tales of the Brothers Grimm (1987) and edited The Oxford Companion to Fairy Tales (2000) and The Great Fairy Tale Tradition (2001). Most recently he has served as the General Editor of the Norton Anthology of Children’s Literature (2005) and editor-inchief of The Oxford Encyclopedia of Children’s Literature (2006). He has translated Gianni Rodari’s Grammatica della Fantasia and the fairy tales of Giuseppe Pitrè and Kurt Schwitters into English. His most recent book is Relentless Progress: The Reconfiguration of Children’s Literature, Fairy Tales, and Storytelling (2008).

Irvine Peacock Irvine Peacock studied Fine Art and Printmaking at Middlesbrough, Sheffield and Hornsey in London. His paintings have featured in numerous group and solo exhibitions in Europe and the USA and he has been represented by The Portal Gallery in London since 1978. He has also worked extensively in publishing and advertising and has designed and produced illustration work for a wide variety of international clients. Most recently he has completed over 30 illustrations for Lucky Hans and Other Merz Fairy Tales by Kurt Schwitters, translated by Jack Zipes and published by Princeton University Press. www.irvinepeacock.co.uk Jantze Tullett Jantze Tullett studied at Edinburgh College of Art, graduating in 1995. She grew up in an old Co-op building in the Calder Valley, surrounded by moorland, trees and dis-used mills.

With a textile designer mother and a fine artist father, it was no great surprise that she ended up in the Tapestry department at Edinburgh. A square peg in a round hole, she is constantly striving to reconcile her different influences, interests and skills, including collage, embroidery, drawing, illustration and installation. Since leaving college Tullett has worked, had three children, cooked, gardened, read, and now has a room of her own in which to work. www.jantzetullett.co.uk DAVID REEKIE David Reekie was born in Hackney, London in 1947 and studied at Stourbridge College of Art and Birmingham College of Art. His work is influenced by our reaction and adaptation to the society that surrounds us – a world that grows more complex and difficult to comprehend, its tensions and temptations pulling us in different directions.

This creates characters and situations that provide a constant source of material from which he takes his ideas. http://freespace.virgin.net/david.reekie/

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THE MERZBOX

The Exhibition consists of a series of framed images (A4 and A3), plus various other prints and objects It has been on display at the Alexandria Gallery, University of Cumbria and The Collection, Lincoln and is to be shown in the Vernon Street Gallery at the Leeds College of Art & Design If you are interested in booking the show, please contact irvine@the-case.co.uk for more details

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The EXHIBITION

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THE MERZBOX

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THE MERZBOX

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