Historic Bernat Klein Studio Saved by Heritage Coalition in Competitive Auction
In This Article
HIGHLIGHTS
- The Bernat Klein Studio, a modernist architectural gem, was sold for £279,000, far exceeding its initial guide price of £18,000.
- A coalition led by the National Trust for Scotland successfully acquired the property to preserve its historical significance.
- The studio, designed by Peter Womersley in 1972, has been neglected for over 20 years and requires extensive restoration estimated to cost up to £3 million.
- The coalition plans to restore the building for public use, aiming to inspire creativity and preserve Bernat Klein's legacy in textile design.
- Financial support for the restoration includes crowdfunding and potential funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
A significant piece of Scotland's modernist architectural heritage, the Bernat Klein Studio, has been secured by a coalition of design and conservation charities after a fiercely contested auction. The studio, located near Selkirk in the Scottish Borders, was sold for £279,000, significantly surpassing its initial guide price of £18,000. This acquisition marks a pivotal step in preserving the legacy of renowned textile designer Bernat Klein and the architectural brilliance of Peter Womersley.
A Modernist Jewel Under Threat
Designed in 1972 by Peter Womersley, a celebrated figure in brutalist architecture, the Bernat Klein Studio has been a Category A-listed building since 2002. Despite its architectural significance, the studio has languished in disrepair for over two decades. The property, once a vibrant hub for textile design and client meetings, has been on Scotland's at-risk register due to prolonged neglect.
Coalition's Vision for Restoration
The successful bid was spearheaded by the National Trust for Scotland, alongside the Bernat Klein Foundation and the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust. Their collective vision is to restore the studio to its former glory, transforming it into a public venue that fosters creative arts in the Scottish Borders. The restoration project is anticipated to cost up to £3 million, with immediate efforts focused on stabilizing the building and repairing its flat roof and concrete cladding.
Financial Backing and Future Plans
The coalition has already raised £33,000 through crowdfunding, with additional financial backing from the National Trust for Scotland. The National Lottery Heritage Fund has also expressed interest in supporting the restoration efforts. Prof Alison Harley, chair of trustees for the Bernat Klein Foundation, expressed optimism about the studio's future, stating, "We are delighted that after many years, the future for Klein's studio looks very bright."
A Legacy to Inspire Future Generations
The restoration of the Bernat Klein Studio is not just about preserving a building; it is about safeguarding a legacy that has inspired generations of designers. Dr. Samuel Gallacher, director of the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust, emphasized the extensive work required, noting that the project will demand the expertise of specialists and the support of many who cherish both Womersley and Klein's contributions to design and architecture.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The successful acquisition of the Bernat Klein Studio by the heritage coalition sets the stage for a significant restoration project that could serve as a model for preserving modernist architecture. As the coalition embarks on this ambitious endeavor, securing additional funding will be crucial to meet the estimated £3 million restoration cost. The involvement of the National Lottery Heritage Fund could provide a substantial financial boost, ensuring the project's viability.
Politically, the restoration aligns with broader efforts to preserve Scotland's cultural heritage, potentially influencing future policies on heritage conservation. The project also holds the potential to boost local tourism and economic activity in the Scottish Borders, as the restored studio could attract visitors interested in architecture and textile design history.
As the restoration progresses, the coalition's ability to engage the public through exhibitions and workshops will be vital in maintaining interest and support. The successful transformation of the Bernat Klein Studio into a vibrant cultural hub could inspire similar initiatives across the UK, highlighting the importance of preserving architectural and cultural heritage for future generations.
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Historic Bernat Klein Studio Saved by Heritage Coalition in Competitive Auction
In This Article
Aya Nakamura| Published HIGHLIGHTS
- The Bernat Klein Studio, a modernist architectural gem, was sold for £279,000, far exceeding its initial guide price of £18,000.
- A coalition led by the National Trust for Scotland successfully acquired the property to preserve its historical significance.
- The studio, designed by Peter Womersley in 1972, has been neglected for over 20 years and requires extensive restoration estimated to cost up to £3 million.
- The coalition plans to restore the building for public use, aiming to inspire creativity and preserve Bernat Klein's legacy in textile design.
- Financial support for the restoration includes crowdfunding and potential funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
A significant piece of Scotland's modernist architectural heritage, the Bernat Klein Studio, has been secured by a coalition of design and conservation charities after a fiercely contested auction. The studio, located near Selkirk in the Scottish Borders, was sold for £279,000, significantly surpassing its initial guide price of £18,000. This acquisition marks a pivotal step in preserving the legacy of renowned textile designer Bernat Klein and the architectural brilliance of Peter Womersley.
A Modernist Jewel Under Threat
Designed in 1972 by Peter Womersley, a celebrated figure in brutalist architecture, the Bernat Klein Studio has been a Category A-listed building since 2002. Despite its architectural significance, the studio has languished in disrepair for over two decades. The property, once a vibrant hub for textile design and client meetings, has been on Scotland's at-risk register due to prolonged neglect.
Coalition's Vision for Restoration
The successful bid was spearheaded by the National Trust for Scotland, alongside the Bernat Klein Foundation and the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust. Their collective vision is to restore the studio to its former glory, transforming it into a public venue that fosters creative arts in the Scottish Borders. The restoration project is anticipated to cost up to £3 million, with immediate efforts focused on stabilizing the building and repairing its flat roof and concrete cladding.
Financial Backing and Future Plans
The coalition has already raised £33,000 through crowdfunding, with additional financial backing from the National Trust for Scotland. The National Lottery Heritage Fund has also expressed interest in supporting the restoration efforts. Prof Alison Harley, chair of trustees for the Bernat Klein Foundation, expressed optimism about the studio's future, stating, "We are delighted that after many years, the future for Klein's studio looks very bright."
A Legacy to Inspire Future Generations
The restoration of the Bernat Klein Studio is not just about preserving a building; it is about safeguarding a legacy that has inspired generations of designers. Dr. Samuel Gallacher, director of the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust, emphasized the extensive work required, noting that the project will demand the expertise of specialists and the support of many who cherish both Womersley and Klein's contributions to design and architecture.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The successful acquisition of the Bernat Klein Studio by the heritage coalition sets the stage for a significant restoration project that could serve as a model for preserving modernist architecture. As the coalition embarks on this ambitious endeavor, securing additional funding will be crucial to meet the estimated £3 million restoration cost. The involvement of the National Lottery Heritage Fund could provide a substantial financial boost, ensuring the project's viability.
Politically, the restoration aligns with broader efforts to preserve Scotland's cultural heritage, potentially influencing future policies on heritage conservation. The project also holds the potential to boost local tourism and economic activity in the Scottish Borders, as the restored studio could attract visitors interested in architecture and textile design history.
As the restoration progresses, the coalition's ability to engage the public through exhibitions and workshops will be vital in maintaining interest and support. The successful transformation of the Bernat Klein Studio into a vibrant cultural hub could inspire similar initiatives across the UK, highlighting the importance of preserving architectural and cultural heritage for future generations.
Images from the Web
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