Bernat Klein: Design in Colour
5 Nov 2022 - 23 Apr 2023
Free, drop-in
This exhibition explored the life and career of Bernat Klein, one of the 20th century’s leading forces in modernist design, in this free exhibition marking the centenary of his birth.
A Serbian-born textile designer, Klein settled in the Scottish Borders after the Second World War, setting up a textile business in Galashiels which would go on to supply his innovative fabrics to some of Europe’s top fashion houses.
Tulip 2, oil on board, 1962 (K.2010.94.1257).
Bernat Klein at High Sunderland, c. 1963 – 64 (K.2010.94.195). (c) Behr Photography
Throughout his 40-year career, Klein worked across fashion and interiors, colour consultancy and industrial design. His design philosophy influenced fashion, fine art, interiors, architecture and colour theory, while his 1957 home, by renowned architect Peter Womersley, is one of the Scotland’s best examples of domestic modernist architecture.
Model room setting, Bernat Klein Design Consultants Ltd and the Department of the Environment, 1971, © Crown copyright. Licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v 3.0 (K.2010.94.4).
Learn about Klein’s creative process and career through objects such as paintings, textiles, garments and examples of product design and branding, and discover how his design ethos continues to inspire designers today.
Tulip petals rug, Bernat Klein Design Consultants Ltd for Tomkinsons, Kidderminster, wool jute and cotton, 1967 (K.2010.94.1246).
Plan your visit to National Museum of Scotland
National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street
Edinburgh
EH1 1JF
We want everyone who comes to our museums to enjoy their time with us and make the most of their visit.
- There is level access to the Museum via the main doors to the Entrance Hall on Chambers Street and the Tower entrance at the corner of Chambers Street and George IV Bridge.
- Lifts are available to all floors and accessible toilets are available on most floors, as well as a Changing Places (U) toilet in the Entrance Hall on Level 0.
- There is an induction loop in the Auditorium.
- Guide dogs, hearing dogs and other recognised assistance dogs are admitted.
Find out more about our access information.
Close-up detail of the Bernat Klein Spring/Summer 1979 cloth colour selector (K.2010.94.132.4.1).
Bernat Klein Design Consultants Ltd, Kaftan, Screen-printed polyester, Autumn/Winter 1978 (K.2010.94.265).
Bernat Klein book
A 224-page fully illustrated book celebrating the life and work of Bernat Klein has been published by the Bernat Klein Foundation to accompany this exhibition.
Buy the Bernat Klein book
