A coalition of leading Scottish heritage and design organisations has successfully bought one of the nation’s “most important 20th century buildings” at auction as part of a plan to bring it back into public and community use.
The Bernat Klein Studio was designed for the textile designer by Peter Womersley in 1972, winning awards for its modernist architecture.
The concrete, brick, steel and glass studio became the beating heart of the textile industry in the Borders.
Serbia-born Klein gained international renown by designing collections there for famous fashion houses including Chanel and Dior.
In recent years the Category A Listed structure has fallen into a severely dilapidated state, and has been on the Buildings at Risk Register since 2002.
The Bernat Klein Foundation (BKF), the National Trust for Scotland and Scottish Historic Buildings Trust (SHBT), supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, want to save the studio from ruin and create a new venue to inspire creative arts in the Scottish Borders.
The deteriorating property was put up for sale at auction at Savills this week, where the coalition managed to secure it for £279,000 – over 15 times the £18,000 guide price.
The successful bid came after architecture fans and supporters helped a crowdfunding campaign raise over £33,000 in a week.
A financial contribution from the National Trust for Scotland together with philanthropic pledges from private individuals and organisations including the Path Trust and the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland Forth & Borders group “gave the coalition the confidence to back a competitive bid”.
Professor Alison Harley, Chair of Trustees, Bernat Klein Foundation, said: “We are delighted that after many years, the future for Klein’s Studio looks very bright.
“We would like to thank everyone who has supported our efforts so far and we look forward to sharing plans and progress over the months ahead.”
A condition survey and structural assessment instructed by Scottish Borders Council in 2023 revealed a building with significant and myriad issues from its prolonged vacancy, water damage, deterioration and acts of vandalism.
At risk of being “lost forever”, it was put up for sale by public auction through Savills.
While the property had a guide price of just £18,000, it is estimated the full cost of restoration undertaken by specialists could exceed £2.5 – £3 million.
Initially, however, the coalition’s priority was to secure ownership of the property and prevent further deterioration.
It now aims to restore the building in a project that will see the studio returned to its original use as a design studio alongside a programme of public engagement.
Scottish Historic Buildings Trust, whose previous projects include Riddle’s Court on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, will oversee the delivery of a repair and restoration project working with the National Trust for Scotland and a range of conservation and architectural specialists.
Once complete, it is intended the building will provide a permanent base in the Scottish Borders for the Bernat Klein Foundation, whose creatively-led projects include exhibitions, workshops, and talks.
Dr Samuel Gallacher, Director, Scottish Historic Buildings Trust, said: “Buying the building was just the first step in this exciting project.
“The scale of the repair and restoration required at Peter Womersley’s Bernat Klein Studio is extensive and will take many months, the skills of specialists and the support of the many people who have an interest in both Peter Womersley and Bernat Klein’s work.
“We are so grateful to the Heritage Fund and National Lottery players for their support which means we are now in the fortunate position to progress this project.”
Philip Long, Chief Executive, National Trust for Scotland, added: “The Trust along with many others for many years have been working behind the scenes to save this outstanding modern building, so important both for its architectural design and the rich heritage it represents as part of Scotland’s world-renowned creativity in textiles.
“Now, through our partnership, we can be confident this significant building, the story of its architect and its resident will survive to be shared with people now and in the future and help to inspire new creativity.
“The National Trust for Scotland is very proud indeed to have contributed to today’s wonderful news.”
Designed in 1972 by modernist architect Womersley for textile designer Klein, “The Studio” represents a period of significant creative and cultural contribution to twentieth-century heritage in design and architecture.
The Studio won a RIBA Design Award and the Edinburgh Architectural Association Centenary Medal in 1973 for its exemplary use and combination of the materials of concrete, brick, steel and glass.
The crowdfunding campaign will continue until August 8 to raise further support towards the restoration.
ENDS…
