Following her visit to see the Bernat Klein Studio at the start of its restoration project, we invited Tilda Swinton to explore the remarkable Bernat Klein Archives at National Museums Scotland. Tilda Swinton spent time exploring the collection of Klein's textiles, guided by Assistant Curator Lisa Mason. It was great to see how our guest responded to Klein's work and the early success of his beautifully crafted couture tweeds first presented by Chanel in 1963, and still as inspiring today.
Thanks to @nationalmuseumsscotland and our coalition partners National Trust for Scotland @nationaltrustforscotland and Scottish Historic Buildings Trust @scottishhistoricbuildingstrust
Keep up to date with Bernat Klein studio news at bernatkleinstudio.org.uk Photo credit: Alison Harley
🧵 Our next show is ‘Bernat Klein: Influence & Inspiration’ 16th April – 23rd May 2026
An exhibition celebrating Klein’s work and exploring the influence he continues to have on contemporary art and design practice.
🗓️ As part of the programme, we are hosting two public events:
1️⃣ Friday 24 April 5 - 8.15pm at The Winchester Gallery
‘Bernat Klein: A Lasting Legacy in Design’
A unique opportunity to learn more about Bernat Klein’s extraordinary talent with expert speakers exploring unique perspectives about his work with fashion brands such as Chanel, as well as his innovative architecture, design and paintings.
Introduction by Professor Alison Harley, Chair and Creative Director for the Bernat Klein Foundation
Speakers:
Lisa Mason 'Bernat Klein: Design in Colour' - Assistant Curator of Modern & Contemporary Design at National Museums Scotland exploring
Dr Jonathan H. Klein 'Living with an Eye for Colour'
- is the eldest of Bernat and Margaret Klein’s three children offering an insight into life with Bernat Klein and his design principles.
Mary Schoeser, MA FRSA 'Nature is Everything'
Freelance historian focusing on the significance of Klein’s acute perceptions of nature.
Organised by the Bernat Klein Foundation and supported by Creative Scotland
2️⃣ Saturday 16 May 9.30am - 3.30pm in Seminar Room 6, WSA.
‘Bernat Klein: Replayed’ with Dr Lynsey Calder. £45
Aimed at early career practitioners and small to medium enterprises practicing in the creative industries, these immersive workshops will look at the work of Bernat Klein, celebrating colour, texture, design & sustainability through various creative activities on the day.
This workshop celebrates Klein’s legacy, inviting participants to explore a creative process where we will develop handmade items through playful exploration of materials inspired by Klein’s designs.
Sign up via the link in our bio!
Photos: www.bernatkleinfoundation.
Love textiles? Love design? 🎨
Our Bernat Klein Book was created to mark Klein’s Centenary year in 2022.
This 224-page, fully illustrated edition celebrates his life, work, and bold vision — packed with insights from designers, curators, and collectors worldwide.
📚 A must-have for textile lovers and design fans alike.
✨ Shop now via the link in this post or follow the link in our bio to explore more.
Designed for early-career creatives and small creative businesses, this immersive workshop explores Bernat Klein’s legacy through colour, texture, material play, and sustainability.
Expect hands-on experimentation inspired by Klein’s techniques, natural landscapes, and bold use of colour - with space to explore your own creative process alongside like-minded practitioners.
Bernat Klein: Where Does Colour Travel
🗓 6 June
📍 Belfast School of Art
Limited places available.
Early booking recommended.
Our current exhibition is hard to capture in just 3 words but the gallery staff and some teaching staff from Fashion and Textiles at WSA tried their best!
Why not visit and see if you can think of the perfect words to capture the varied work of Bernat Klein.
'Bernat Klein: Influence and Inspiration' is open until the 23rd of May and is free to visit. The gallery is open 12-6 Tuesday to Friday and 12-4 on Saturdays. #bernatklein
Why is Bernat Klein important? We spoke to Elaine lgoe, Associate Professor of Textiles, Nicholas Ozanne, Teaching Fellow in Textile Design, and Jo Turney, Professor of Fashion and Textiles at Winchester School of Art, to find out.
Come and see Klein's innovative work for yourself in Bernat Klein: Influence and Inspiration' an exhibition at The Winchester Gallery which is free to the public and open until the 23rd May.
#bernatklein
We asked our technician Amy some questions about the install of the current exhibition!
'Bernat Klein: Influence and Inspiration' is open until the 23rd of May and is free to visit. The gallery is open 12-6 Tuesday to Friday and 12-4 on Saturdays.
We spoke to Nicholas Ozanne, Teaching Fellow in Textile Design, and Elaine lgoe, Associate Professor of Textiles at Winchester School of Art, to find out about Klein's connection to iconic fashion brands like Chanel.
Come and see Klein's innovative work for yourself in 'Bernat Klein: Influence and Inspiration' an exhibition at The Winchester Gallery which is free to the public and open until the 23rd May.
#bernatklein #chanel
There's definitely a theme here!
We asked gallery staff and teaching staff from Fashion and Textiles at WSA what one word captures Klein's work for them. It was hard to condense it into a single word but colour definitely kept coming up. When you walk into the exhibition that is what you are immediately struck by, the vibrancy, range, and expert use of colour. 🌈
Come and see it for yourself and see what word comes to your mind. 🧠
'Bernat Klein: Influence and Inspiration' is open until the 23rd of May and is free to visit. The gallery is open 12-6 Tuesday to Friday and 12-4 on Saturdays.
Tulips were Bernat Klein's favourite flower and he painted them in in thick oils exploring different colour relationships. These colour combinations were often used in yarns as you see here.
This painting and so much of Bernat's output is currently on display in an exhibition at The Winchester Gallery. Bernat Klein: Influence & Inspiration includes archive material from the Bernat Klein Foundation and Border Textile Towerhouse archives and is supported by Creative Scotland.
Join us as we continue to explore the legacy of Bernat Klein the exhibition it is free to enter and open until the 23rd May.
Did you know our current exhibition showcases more than textiles and clothing? On display we also have paintings, books, architectural models, films, and much more.
The exhibition is a chance to learn about many elements of Klein's practice, history, and lasting impact on fashion, textiles, and design that can be felt to this day.
'Bernat Klein: Influence and Inspiration' is on until 23rd May. The exhibition is free to visit and is open to the public during our usual gallery hours 12-6 Tuesday- Friday and 12-4 on Saturdays.
Photo credit: @ellengillett
We spoke to Jo Turney, Professor of Fashion and Textiles, Elaine lgoe, Associate Professor of Textiles, and Nicholas Ozanne, Teaching Fellow in Textile Design at Winchester School of Art, to learn more about Bernat Klein.
Come and see Klein's innovative work for yourself in Bernat Klein: Influence and Inspiration' an exhibition at The Winchester Gallery which is free to the public and open until the 23rd May.
