THE historic Bernat Klein Studio has been saved by a bid of almost £300,000 at an auction.
The former textile studio is located on the A707 near Selkirk in the Borders, and has been listed as a category A risk building since 2002.
A coalition made up of The Bernat Klein Foundation, the National Trust for Scotland and Scottish Historic Buildings Trust, as well as support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund secured the building on Wednesday for £279,000.
Professor Alison Harley, chair of trustees of the Bernat Klein Foundation, said: “We are delighted that after many years, the future for Klein’s Studio looks very bright.
“We would like to thank everyone who has supported our efforts so far and we look forward to sharing plans and progress over the months ahead.”
Built in 1972 for famous textile designer Bernat Klein and designed by modernist architect Peter Womersley, it was once the centrepiece of the textile industry in the Borders.
Serbian-born Klein had international renown after his designs for famous fashion houses such as Chanel and Dior before his death in 2014, aged 91.
The estimated cost for a full restoration by specialists is predicted to exceed £3m.
Dr Samuel Gallacher, director of the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust, said: “Buying the building was just the first step in this exciting project.
“The scale of the repair and restoration required at Peter Womersley’s Bernat Klein Studio is extensive and will take many months.”
Once the work is completed, the studio will return to its original use as a design studio as well as being a permanent base in the Borders for the Bernat Klein Foundation.
A crowdfunding campaign to help obtain further funds for the restoration has raised £33,000 and remains open until August 8.
