Scottish Borders
The Bernat Klein Studio and High Sunderland
The Bernat Klein Studio, a striking example of modern architecture and design, was created in 1972 by modernist architect Peter Womersley for textile designer Bernat Klein, whose couture fabrics were used by leading fashion companies such as Chanel and Dior.
After more than 20 years on the Buildings at Risk Register, the Studio had badly deteriorated due to vandalism and neglect before being put up for auction with a guide price of £18,000.
Scottish Historic Buildings Trust joined forces with the National Trust for Scotland and the Bernat Klein Foundation in a successful coalition bid, securing the building on 30 July 2025 for £279,000.
During this tour you will visit each level of the Studio, including the rooftop, learning about Klein’s work, how the space was originally used, the current state of the building and its future plans.
High Sunderland is the modernist house just next to the Studio, designed in the 1950s by architect Peter Womersley for the textile designer Bernat Klein. Long, low and wrapped in glass, it was Klein's home, a place where his feeling for colour and the surrounding landscape met Womersley's spare, modern lines.
Tour slots 2 and 4 will also visit High Sunderland, the house that Bernat Klein once lived, just a two-minute walk from the Studio. This is a strictly private residence and is being opened up to the public only for these two tour dates. Do not attempt to visit High Sunderland, or the Bernat Klein Studio, if you do not have a ticket reserved.
A mini-bus will pick up each registered visitor from West Port Car Park in Selkirk. After your tour, you will be dropped off via mini bus to the West Port Car Park. There is no parking at the Studio.
Tour times:
Tour 1: (Studio only) meet at West Port car park at 8:35am for tour slot 9am-9:50am.
Tour 2: (Studio and High Sunderland) meet at West Port car park at 10am for tour slot 10:30am - 12:05pm
Tour 3: (Studio only) meet at West Port car park at 12:15pm for tour slot 12:45pm - 1:35pm
Tour 4: (Studio and High Sunderland) meet at West Port car park at 1:45pm for tour slot 2:10pm - 3:45pm
Tour 5: (Studio only) meet at West Port Car Park at 3:50pm for tour slot 4:25pm - 5:10pm.
Photographer credit: Mike Boalm Photography and Scottish Historic Buildings Trust
Facilities
Additional Access Information
There are no on-site facilities and there is currently no disabled access.
Gallery
Key Information
Booking required and only one ticket per person: https://events.humanitix.com/bernatkleinstudio
Do not attempt to visit High Sunderland, or the Bernat Klein Studio, if you do not have a ticket reserved.
Where to find us
Address
- Meeting point: West Port Car Park, Selkirk
- Bernat Klein Studio, Galashiels, TD1 3PQ