Local MSP Rachael Hamilton has backed a coalition of leading Scottish heritage and design organisations who have united to try and save a celebrated Borders building.
The award-winning Bernat Klein Studio near Gala is recognised by experts as a notable modern Scottish building.
It was designed in 1972 by renowned modernist architect Peter Womersley and housed textile designer Bernat Klein, who gained international renown by producing collections there for many famous fashion houses including Chanel and Dior.
The Bernat Klein Foundation, the National Trust for Scotland and Scottish Historic Buildings Trust have launched a coalition bid, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, to save the Bernat Klein Studio from ruin and create a new venue to inspire creative arts in the Scottish Borders.
The building has fallen into disrepair and has been on the Buildings at Risk Register for more than 20 years. It will go to auction this week on Wednesday 30 July.
Donations and pledges of support for the campaign to acquire and restore Bernat Klein Studio can also be made directly to Scottish Historic Buildings Trust through Millie Leadbetter-Wilcock, [email protected], 0131 220 1232.
An online crowdfunder has also been launched: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/saving-peter-womersleys-bernat-klein-studio.
Scottish Borders MSP, Rachael Hamilton, said: "It's a matter of great pride for many people in the Borders to have such a celebrated building of huge historical significance right here on our doorstep.
"This building is not only an architectural and design masterpiece, it has an incredible past that really should be preserved for the benefit of future generations.
"I wish this effort to save the Bernat Klein studio every success and I hope it will achieve its noble goal to turn the building into a creative arts venue, which could create jobs, help small businesses and encourage tourism.
“Whilst I understand the need for communities to prioritise cultural and sporting assets in their own towns and villages in a challenging financial landscape, I believe this building should be on the list to bring back to life."
Professor Alison Harley, Chair of Trustees, Bernat Klein Foundation, said: “We all want the building to be sensitively conserved and restored to be part of Scotland’s creative and cultural heritage for future generations. The Coalition believes that Klein’s studio should be returned to its original use, highlighting the important legacy of textile and design and creating an attraction to Scotland and the Scottish Borders. This is a building that has been kept to the fore by the Peter Womersley group, who have long campaigned to see such internationally celebrated architecture brought back into public use, as is now intended by the Coalition.
“Klein transformed the Scottish textile industry and the Borders weaving industry from its post-war doldrums. His design philosophy influenced fashion, fine art, interiors and architecture. Klein also leaves a vibrant archive to inspire generations.”
Philip Long OBE, Chief Executive, National Trust for Scotland, said: “The Bernat Klein Studio is an outstanding example in Scotland of twentieth-century design heritage, combining the entwined legacies of Klein and Womersley - two of the most innovative designers in Scotland of the latter half of the twentieth century. After many years, this appeal is an opportunity to help save this remarkable building, which represents an all too often overlooked aspect of our recent past, for the nation. The Bernat Klein Studio must be protected for future generations.”
Dr Samuel Gallacher, Director, Scottish Historic Buildings Trust, said: “We are so grateful to the Heritage Fund and National Lottery players for their support. Attempting to buy at auction is a real unknown. This is why our call for donations and support is so important to make sure we have the best possible chance to acquire this unique building. We know that there are many people who have campaigned to save this building for many years, whose hard work has helped get us to this position, and with the broad passion out there for both Bernat Klein and Peter Womersley we are grateful for each and every donation which will have a real impact to make our dream for this building a reality.
“This project will allow Scottish Historic Buildings Trust to test and advocate for ways to preserve, adapt and rejuvenate historic concrete buildings. This is no easy task and will require us to assemble a highly specialist team of experts. However, this will be an investment with a broad impact. Thinking to Scotland’s rich heritage of twentieth century architecture, much of which is at risk and is poorly adapted to our changing climate, this project can be an exemplar of how to save our modernist and brutalist buildings.”
David Robertson, Chief Executive, Scottish Borders Council, said: “Peter Womersley’s Bernat Klein Studio is a proud part of our architectural heritage in the Scottish Borders. We are fortunate to have so many of his buildings in our area. Given this importance, we have been encouraging a sustainable long-term solution for Womersley’s Bernat Klein Studio, located between Selkirk and Galashiels, for some time. We are delighted to support this coalition of heritage and arts bodies who offer an exciting future for this building which will strengthen not only our local heritage but provide new creative and economic opportunities for our region.”
