Coalition formed to save A-listed brutalist Bernat Klein studio
The property, which was granted a category A listing in 2002, has been in a state of decline for more than two decades.It is being auctioned by Savills, which describes it as in need of modernisation, with further potential "subject to requisite consents".Klein, who died in 2014, collaborated with major European fashion houses such as Dior to design some of the most beautiful textiles of the 20th Century.His studio was built as a workspace for design, weaving and exhibiting samples.It lies adjacent to his home, High Sunderland, built by Womersley in 1958 and also a listed building.
The Bernat Klein Foundation (BKF), the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) and Scottish Historic Buildings Trust (SHBT) have launched a coalition bid to save the property from ruin.With support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund they hope to "create a new venue to inspire creative arts in the Scottish Borders".It has been estimated the full cost of restoration undertaken by specialists could exceed £3m.However, the group's first priority is to "secure ownership of the property and prevent further deterioration".
If their bid is successful, they hope the building could provide a permanent base for the BKF and its exhibitions, workshops and talks.Prof Alison Harley, BKF chair of trustees, 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."NTS chief executive Philip Long said the property was an "outstanding example in Scotland of 20th Century design heritage" which "must be protected for future generations".Dr Samuel Gallacher, SHBT director, admitted that attempting to buy at auction was a "real unknown".He said any donations and support were important to make sure they had the "best possible chance" of purchasing the building.
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