An exciting project to secure the future of one of Scotland’s most significant 20th-century buildings has taken another step forward, having been awarded a grant from the Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF).
The award-winning, Category A-listed Bernat Klein Studio was designed by modernist architect Peter Womersley in 1972. Once the beating heart of the textile industry in the Borders, this studio is where textile designer Bernat Klein gained international renown by designing collections for many famous fashion houses, including Chanel and Dior.
Image: Bernat Klein Studio by Peter Womersley, 1972. Credit: Arup Partners - Bernat Klein Foundation.
Due to prolonged vacancy, water damage, deterioration, and acts of vandalism, the Bernat Klein Studio is currently in a severely dilapidated state and has been on the Buildings at Risk Register since 2002.
In an effort to save this modernist masterpiece for the nation, the Bernat Klein Foundation, the National Trust for Scotland and Scottish Historic Buildings Trust have joined forces; in July, it was announced that the coalition had been successful in purchasing the building at an auction.
Now, following the acquisition, the AHF is delighted to announce that it has awarded a Project Viability Grant to Scottish Historic Buildings Trust to help kickstart the next stage of this project, which will see the studio restored to its former glory and brought back into public and community use. This grant was one of 10 awards made at the AHF’s latest grants meeting, where projects across the UK were awarded funding totalling £131,044.
Scottish Historic Buildings Trust will oversee the delivery of the repair and restoration project, returning this building to its original use as a design studio. It will become a permanent base for the Bernat Klein Foundation, which will advance its current activities, including exhibitions, workshops, and talks; manage a long-term artist in residence programme; install a Bernat Klein archive; and run a community engagement programme. As a National Trust for Scotland property, the site will also be operated as a visitor attraction.
The Historic Environment Scotland-supported AHF grant will enable Scottish Historic Buildings Trust to carry out specialist surveys to identify a package of emergency repair works.
Dr Samuel Gallacher, Director of Scottish Historic Buildings Trust, said: “Peter Womersley’s Bernat Klein Studio has been one of the most iconic and high profile buildings at risk in Scotland for decades.
“Scottish Historic Buildings Trust is delighted to have at last secured ownership of the Studio in coalition with Bernat Klein Foundation and National Trust for Scotland.
“The Architectural Heritage Fund has been a close collaborator, advisor and champion, from early discussions and advice all through the acquisition process, and this new offer of Project Viability Grant funding will allow us to take the first steps to better understand how we can restore this building for future generations. We look forward to continuing to work closely with AHF as the project develops."
