Bernat Klein Studio saved after being bought at auction by Scottish heritage and design organisations

A coalition of leading Scottish heritage and design organisations have been successful in buying the Bernat Klein Studio at auction, saving the modernist masterpiece for the nation.

Designed in 1972 by renowned modernist architect Peter Womersley, the Bernat Klein Studio is one of Scotland’s most important twentieth-century buildings.

The late modernist studio in the Scottish Borders was built for Serbian textile designer Bernat Klein, whose home High Sutherland was within walking distance of the building. Klein fabrics were used by many world famous fashion houses including Chanel and Dior.

The studio has been vacant for decades and is in severe disrepair, featuring on the Scottish buildings at risk register since 2002. The category A-listed building was at risk of being lost forever after its owners put the building up for auction through the Savills with an indicative price of £18,000 on 30 July.

But the National Trust for Scotland, the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust and the Bernat Klein Foundation, came together to launch a last-minute attempt to save the building and have secured it for £279,000.

Architecture fans and supporters contributed to a crowdfunding campaign which raised more than £33,000 within a week. A financial contribution from NTS gave the coalition the confidence to back a competitive bid for the building.

Further philanthropic pledges from private individuals and organisations including the Path Trust and the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland Forth & Borders group were also made.

The crowdfunding campaign will continue until 8 August to raise further support towards the restoration of the building.

Concept drawing of Bernat Klein Studio as a visitor attraction. Credit: Matt Loader at Loader Monteith Architects, 2023

‘We are delighted that after many years, the future for Klein’s Studio looks very bright,’ Professor Alison Harley, Chair of Trustees, Bernat Klein Foundation, said.

‘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.’

Architect Womersley created the studio for Klein after being influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright’s modernist house Fallingwater in Pennsylvania.

A condition survey and structural assessment by Scottish Borders Council in 2023 revealed the building has significant and myriad issues from its prolonged vacancy, water-damage, deterioration, and acts of vandalism. It is estimated the full cost of restoration undertaken by specialists could exceed £3 million.

The coalition now plans to return the building to its original purpose as a design studio and public education centre run by the foundation. Scottish Historic Buildings Trust will oversee the delivery of a repair and restoration project working with NTS and a range of conservation and architectural specialists.

The first phase of works will comprise the urgent repairs needed to stabilise the building, including assessing the condition of the concrete cladding and making repairs to the flat roof, while designs for the full restoration to a studio will be developed over the next year.

Once complete, it is intended that The Studio will return to its original use as a design studio, as well as providing a permanent base in the Scottish Borders for the Bernat Klein Foundation, whose creatively-led projects include exhibitions, workshops, and talks.

‘Buying the building was just the first step in this exciting project,’ Dr Samuel Gallacher, Director, Scottish Historic Buildings Trust, said.

‘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.’

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