Coalition Aims to Preserve Iconic Bernat Klein Studio Amid Auction

A coalition of prominent Scottish heritage and design organizations has been established to prevent the sale and potential deterioration of the dilapidated studio of renowned textile designer Bernat Klein, located near Selkirk in the Scottish Borders. Constructed in 1972, the studio is set to go on auction with a guide price of £18,000, raising concerns regarding its future and the preservation of its cultural significance.

The studio, a two-storey concrete structure designed by acclaimed architect Peter Womersley, has been recognized as a category A-listed building since 2002. Despite its historical value, the property has suffered from neglect for over two decades. According to the auction house Savills, the building requires substantial modernization and restoration, with costs potentially exceeding £3 million, contingent on obtaining the necessary consents.

Klein, who passed away in 2014, was celebrated for his contributions to textile design, collaborating with major fashion houses such as Dior. His studio served as a creative workspace for design, weaving, and exhibition, complementing his residence, High Sunderland, also designed by Womersley and a listed structure.

The newly formed coalition includes the Bernat Klein Foundation (BKF), the National Trust for Scotland (NTS), and the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust (SHBT). With assistance from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the coalition intends to secure ownership of the studio and restore it as a public venue for the creative arts. Prof. Alison Harley, chair of trustees at BKF, emphasized the importance of conserving the building for future generations as part of Scotland’s cultural heritage.

Philip Long, Chief Executive of NTS, described the studio as an outstanding example of 20th-century design heritage in Scotland, underscoring the urgency of its protection. Dr. Samuel Gallacher, Director of SHBT, characterized the auction as a “real unknown” and highlighted the critical need for donations to enhance their chances of successfully purchasing the site.

The coalition’s immediate focus remains on preventing further deterioration. If successful in their auction bid, they envision the studio serving not only as a permanent base for the BKF but also as a venue for exhibitions, workshops, and talks aimed at inspiring future generations of artists and designers. The preservation of the Bernat Klein studio represents a significant endeavor to maintain Scotland’s architectural and creative legacy amidst the challenges posed by modernization and neglect.