Bernat Klein Studio Coalition takes ownership

In a landmark moment for Scottish cultural heritage, the Bernat Klein Studio Coalition – made up of partner organisations the Bernat Klein Foundation (BKF), the National Trust for Scotland and the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust (SHBT) – have formally taken possession of Peter Womersley’s Bernat Klein Studio in the Scottish Borders. The Coalition will now embark on an urgent repair project at this celebrated modernist gem, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

On 30 July 2025, overcoming fierce competition, the Coalition secured the Category A-listed studio at auction for £284,240 (including costs and legal fees), to ensure its future as a national creative asset. A financial contribution from the National Trust for Scotland gave the Coalition the confidence to make a competitive bid for the building, as well as a fundraising campaign led by SHBT, which raised over £150,000 from crowdfunding and private pledges in just over a week.

SHBT, whose previous projects include the restoration of Riddle’s Court on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, will now lead the delivery of a repair and restoration project, working with the Trust and a range of conservation and architectural specialists. The immediate phase of works to secure the building is being supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Architectural Heritage Fund Scotland.

A grant of £245,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund will allow SHBT to appoint a specialist conservation design team to fully investigate the condition of the building, which is currently in a severely dilapidated state and has been on the Buildings at Risk Register since 2002. Of particular concern is the condition of the building’s concrete cladding, an important element of Womersley’s 1972 design – it will require careful assessment to understand and conserve it.

Once complete, it is intended that the Studio will return to its original use as a design studio, providing a permanent base in the Scottish Borders for the BKF, whose creative projects include exhibitions, workshops and talks. 

The BKF will contribute to designs for the full restoration project, which will be developed in parallel with the urgent works over the next year. Full restoration costs are provisionally estimated to be in the region of £2.5–£3 million.

Philip Long OBE, Chief Executive of the National Trust for Scotland, said: ’The Trust, alongside many others within the Coalition, has been working behind the scenes for several years to save this outstanding building. Through our partnership, we can be confident that this significant building, its stories and its place within Scotland’s heritage will be protected for generations to come.’

Caroline Clark, Director for Scotland, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: ’Bernat Klein’s work brought textiles from the Scottish Borders to the attention of Chanel, Dior, Balenciaga and more. The Studio became a unique focal point for an industry that is inextricably woven into the heritage of this area of Scotland.

’The Bernat Klein Studio Coalition taking possession of this very special building delivers an opportunity to give it a new creative life. We are very pleased that, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, the Heritage Fund will be supporting essential repairs to secure its future and the equally important work of shaping that future.’

David Robertson, Chief Executive of Scottish Borders Council, said: ’Peter Womersley’s Bernat Klein Studio is a proud part of our architectural heritage in the Scottish Borders. Given its importance, we have been encouraging a sustainable long-term solution for the building for some time, and are delighted to support this coalition of heritage and arts bodies who now offer an exciting future for the Studio. 

’This will not only strengthen our local heritage but also provide new creative and economic opportunities for our region.’