A consortium of Scottish heritage and design organizations has officially received the keys to the deteriorating studio of internationally renowned textile designer Bernat Klein, located in the Scottish Borders near Selkirk. The acquisition marks a significant milestone in efforts to preserve one of Scotland's most important examples of brutalist architecture and textile heritage.

The historic property sold at auction earlier this summer for £279,000, a staggering amount that exceeded its guide price by more than 15 times. The successful bidding group, known as the Bernat Klein Studio Coalition, consists of three prominent organizations: the Bernat Klein Foundation (BKF), the National Trust for Scotland (NTS), and the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust (SHBT). The coalition received substantial financial backing from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) to make the purchase possible.

The concrete and brick structure represents the architectural genius of Peter Womersley, widely regarded as one of Scotland's greatest brutalist architects. Built in 1972 specifically for Klein's textile operations, the studio served as a workspace for design, weaving, and exhibiting textile samples. The building sits adjacent to Klein's former residence, High Sunderland, which Womersley also designed in 1958 and which also holds listed building status.

However, the road to restoration presents significant challenges. The studio has been listed on the Buildings at Risk Register since 2002 and currently exists in a severely dilapidated state. Full restoration efforts, which aim to return the property to its original function as a working design studio, are estimated to cost more than £3 million. The first phase of work will focus on securing the building's structural integrity, with support from both the NLHF and the Architectural Heritage Fund Scotland.

Of particular concern to restoration experts is the condition of the building's concrete cladding, a crucial architectural element of Womersley's 1972 design. This feature will require careful professional assessment to properly understand and preserve its unique characteristics. The extensive nature of the repairs will demand specialized skills and many months of dedicated work.

Professor Alison Harley, chair of trustees for the Bernat Klein Foundation, expressed enthusiasm about the project's progress. "These are exciting times for our organization," she stated. "Our new partnership will be focusing on the entwined legacies of Bernat Klein and Peter Womersley and this unique opportunity for the creative industries. In this next important stage of the project, the BKF will continue to support new creative output through its public program inspired by Klein's creative and cultural legacy."

Philip Long, chief executive of the National Trust for Scotland, emphasized his organization's long-standing commitment to preserving the structure. "The modernist creation is so important, both for its architectural design and the rich heritage it represents as part of Scotland's world-renowned creativity in textiles, and we are proud to support its restoration to safeguard its future," he explained. The trust has been working for years to save the building from further deterioration.

Dr. Samuel Gallacher, director of the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust, described the undertaking as a "seminal project." He noted that "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."

Bernat Klein, who passed away in 2014, left behind an extraordinary legacy in the world of textile design. Throughout his career, he collaborated with major European fashion houses, including the prestigious Dior, to create some of the most beautiful and innovative textiles of the 20th century. His work significantly contributed to Scotland's international reputation for excellence in textile design and manufacturing.

Once the extensive restoration work is completed, the studio will return to its original purpose as a functioning design workspace. Additionally, it will serve as a permanent base in the Scottish Borders for the Bernat Klein Foundation, hosting exhibitions, workshops, and educational talks. The restored building will also be opened to the public, allowing visitors to experience this unique combination of architectural and textile heritage firsthand.