Efforts Intensify to Preserve Bernat Klein's Modernist Studio in Scotland

A coalition of heritage and design organizations has mobilized to prevent the loss of one of the United Kingdom's most at-risk modernist buildings, the studio of renowned textile designer Bernat Klein, located in the Scottish Borders. Originally constructed in 1972 by celebrated architect Peter Womersley, the studio has faced years of neglect and disrepair, leading to its inclusion on the Scottish buildings at risk register since 2002.

The studio, which was auctioned off on July 30, 2025, came as a shock to various heritage groups, including the National Trust for Scotland and the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust, who had hoped to acquire the property through private negotiations. The auction listing, managed by Savills, indicated a starting price of £18,000, compelling these organizations to initiate a fundraising campaign backed by the National Heritage Lottery Fund in a race against time.

Professor Alison Harley, chair of the Bernat Klein Foundation, expressed disappointment over the owners' decision to auction the property, stating, "We had been in talks for months about a private sale. The sudden auction has forced us into a rapid fundraising effort."

In order to restore the studio to its original purpose as a design studio and public education center, the coalition estimates it will need to raise between £2.5 million and £3 million. Currently, the studio is marred by vandalism, with broken windows, deteriorating timber, and crumbling concrete, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.

The architectural significance of the studio cannot be overstated. As noted by the buildings at risk register, it is a "very fine sculptural late modernist building" that demonstrates a sophisticated design aesthetic. The structure is characterized by its bold cantilevered concrete forms and elegantly framed vertical glazing, making it a notable example of late 20th-century architecture.

Klein, a Serbian-born designer who survived the Holocaust, established his firm Colourcraft in 1952 in Galashiels, situated in the heart of Scotland's textile industry. His innovative textile designs garnered acclaim from high-profile fashion houses such as Balenciaga, Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent.

Dr. Samuel Gallacher, director of the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust, emphasized the broader implications of this preservation effort for Scotland's architectural heritage: "This project can serve as a model for the effective preservation of modernist and brutalist buildings, which face significant challenges in our changing climate."

The collaborative effort to save Klein's studio reflects a growing recognition of the importance of modernist architecture in Scotland's cultural landscape and the need for proactive measures to safeguard these historical assets. As the auction date approaches, the fate of the studio remains uncertain, with heritage advocates hopeful for a successful outcome that honors Klein and Womersley's combined legacy.

In conclusion, the preservation of Bernat Klein's studio is not just about saving a building; it is about safeguarding a critical piece of Scotland's modernist heritage that tells a story of innovation and resilience in design. The outcome of this auction will significantly influence the trajectory of modernist preservation efforts across the country and serve as a bellwether for future initiatives aimed at protecting similar architectural treasures.