Seen Better Days

TM was on a mission today to buy some wood to make shelves for his workshop. We went to B&Q in Gala, but they didn't have what he wanted. So to save the day, I suggested he take me on a photo-finding expedition.

This used to be the studio of Bernat Klein, a very successful textile designer in the second half of the 20th century. He came originally from Czechoslovakia, studied in Leeds and set up his business in the Borders.  His yarns were spun and fabrics woven in the mills of nearby Galashiels and they were used by lots of the famous fashion houses of the day. I remember drooling over the wonderful colours and textures.

In the 1950s Klein commissioned Peter Womersley to build him a house at High Sunderland, and in the 70s the same architect designed the Studio nearby. It won a RIBA award.

The house is still in almost its original condition - sorry, I don't know how to do links, but there are pictures on the Architects' Journal website - the interior is very much of its time.

The same can't be said for the Studio, which is on the 'at risk' register, and the rate of decay is accelerating. 

There are plenty of picturesque ruins in this part of the world, but not many interesting modern buildings. And this doesn't look as if it is growing old gracefully. 

Thank you, Marlieske, for continuing to host DS. It's great fun.