The Bernat Klein Foundation in partnership with the V&A Dundee 1 December 2023 Juniper Auditorium, V&A Dundee 1 Riverside Esplanade, Dundee DD1 4EZ Beneath the Surface: Bernat Klein Illuminating Bernat Klein’s practice spanning design, art, architecture, and enduring multidisciplinary influence today. This one-day symposium draws on speakers from backgrounds in creative practice, academia, curatorial and architectural practice. In exploring Klein’s life and career, the symposium also provides a focus for discussion about the idea of legacies and archive collections informing contemporary practice and inspiring a range of audiences. 10.00 - 10.30
Conference registration at the entrance to the auditorium - refreshments (tea, coffee and shortbread)
10.30 - 10.40
Leonie Bell Welcome by the Director of the V&A Dundee.
10.40 - 10.45
Alison Harley Welcome on behalf of the Bernat Klein Foundation, and an introduction to Philip Long, Symposium Chair.
10.45 - 11.00
Philip Long An introduction to the symposium and the programme’s focus on Bernat Klein and his legacy.
11.00 - 11.40
Lisa Mason Bernat Klein: Colour, Cloth & Couture Bernat Klein (1922–2014) was a leading force in 20th century design who had a profound influence on the interrelated spheres of fashion, interior design, and architecture during a career spanning six decades. Drawing upon the vast archive of his work held by National Museums Scotland, this presentation will chart the various incarnations of Klein’s illustrious career and explore his inspirations and design process.
11:40 - 12.25
Mary Schoeser Bernat Klein and Émigrée Designers: enriching mid-20th century British textile design Placing the work of Bernat Klein in context, this lecture compares his work with that of a number of émigrée designers, among them Zika and Lida Ascher, Tibor Reich and Nicholas “Miki” Sekers. It looks in detail at the varied and inventive approaches to yarn, colour and pattern that transformed British textiles during the 25 years after the end of WWII. Drawing out both shared interests and distinctive differences, the talk concludes with observations about the continued relevance of émigréefounded entities today.
12.25 - 12.40
Alison Harley An Introduction to Bernat Klein: Influence & Inspiration A short film by Clubhouse Paradiso captures the exhibition, Influence & Inspiration, which showcases contemporary process and practice alongside original work by Bernat Klein. The film also records voices of those who are contributing to the development and understanding of Klein’s legacy in design and architecture.
12.40 - 2.15 12.40 - 2.15
LUNCH BREAK Meredith More & Kirsty Hassard V&A Dundee Scottish Galleries Guided curatorial talks 10 minutes for each group of 20 participants; and an opportunity view the exhibition Bernat Klein: Influence & Inspiration, Designer in Residence Studio (adjacent to the auditorium).
2.15 - 2.35
Alison Harley & Jane Keith Bernat Klein Foundation Award The foundation works with partners in Higher Education to develop opportunities to develop new ideas around Bernat Klein’s legacy. In 2024 Year 3 Textile Design students at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design, will explore Klein’s own life-long passion and use of colour in his textile design and artistic practice. The symposium provides the starting point for this project and educational award.
2.35 - 3.05
Iain King High Sunderland: The Invisible Restoration Iain King from Loader Monteith will delve into the technical and cultural restoration of Bernat Klein's residence, High Sunderland. Designed by Peter Womersley, in 1954 this home is one of the select few Category-A listed modernist houses in Scotland.
3.05 - 3.20
BREAK
3.20 - 4.00
Meredith More In exploring Klein’s life and career, what do the panel think about the idea of legacies and archive collections informing contemporary practice, and how they inspire a range of audiences? Chaired panel discussion with Lynsey Calder; Bridie Gane; Jane Keith; Grainne Rice; Shona Sinclair and Aude Le Guennec.
4.00 – 4.05
Meredith More Thanks from V&A Dundee.
4.05 - 4.15
Philip Long Closing remarks from Symposium Chair.
4.15
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