July 23 2025

A group of heritage bodies and architects have come together in a last ditch bid to save Peter Womersley's Bernat Klein Studio near Selkirk from falling further into ruin.

The crumbling Modernist landmark has been at risk after a burst water pipe scuppered plans to convert it into apartments and is now listed for auction, with a guide price of £18,000.

This potential opening has been seized upon by the Bernat Klein Foundation, which has teamed up with National Trust for Scotland and Scottish Historic Buildings Trust to rescue the A-listed structure. Working with the National Lottery Heritage Fund the group hope to stabilise the landmark as a first priority, beginning with an urgent crowdfunding appeal to cover the purchase cost.

Professor Alison Harley, chair of trustees at the 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."

Ultimately, it is envisioned that as much as £3m could be invested in the property to transform it into a permanent home for the foundation. 

5 Comments

#1 Posted by Roddy_ on 23 Jul 2025 at 23:57 PM

Let's hope this can be saved.

I have to say that I'm very fond of Peter's work. This is a wee gem.

#2 Posted by McMinty on 24 Jul 2025 at 10:27 AM

Good luck!

Hopefully this project will buck the trend given recent the misfortune (accidental or otherwise) that seems to befall many of Scotlands historic buildings...

#3 Posted by Ruth Hand on 25 Jul 2025 at 18:35 PM

I would be very interested in the restoration of Bernat
Klein's studio.,I have been in the Textile and period clothig business all my working life. I had a shop in Edinburgh for Thirty years. I now live in Coldstream . The shop was called Hand in Hand Bernat Klein was a customer.

#4 Posted by Ruth Hand on 25 Jul 2025 at 18:42 PM

I think the restoration of the studio is a fabulous plan. If it goes ahead I would apply for the job of concierge.
Best wishes Ruth Hand

#5 Posted by Fat Bloke on Tour on 30 Jul 2025 at 09:45 AM

Guide price of £18K -- some mistake surely?
Huge potential -- excellent piece of modernist design.
Hopefully it gets the care and attention it deserves.
Unfortunately there are bad vibes developing over its potential use as a subsidy mine.

In contrast High Sunderland has all the presence and stature of a posh / well thought out portakabin.

Cheap throw away architecture at best.
Bedouin tents have more sense of longevity.
The Ideal Homes gene is strong in that one.

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