Refuge Britain: Stories of Émigré Designers

Émigré textile designers Bernat Klein and Tibor Reich both arrived in the UK as refugees fleeing Nazi Europe and both went on to revolutionise British design. Curator Lisa Mason and Dr Anna Nyburg discuss the unique contribution and ongoing influence of these designers in this event at the National Museum of Scotland.

This event features an exclusive screening of the 2017 documentary film, Refuge Britain: Stories of Émigré Designers. There will also be the chance to view our current free exhibition Bernat Klein: Design in Colour before or after the event.

14:00 Welcome and introductions

14:05 Bernat Klein

Lisa Mason, Assistant Curator of Modern and Contemporary Design, National Museums Scotland

Bernat Klein had a visionary career spanning four decades, from the 1950s until his retirement in 1992. Based in the Scottish Borders, his radical use of colour blending and texture – inspired by the Scottish Borders landscape – transformed haute couture, home-made fashions and interior design.

Lisa Mason will discuss Bernat’s career and highlight key pieces within his extensive archive which is held by National Museums Scotland.

14:20 Refuge Britain: Stories of Émigré Designers

Dr Anna Nyburg, Honorary Lecturer, Imperial College London

Commercial artists Tibor Reich, Elisabeth Tomalin and Hans Schleger arrived in the UK as refugees from Nazi Europe. As designers, they revolutionised British design, introducing modern (and modernist) concepts and practices. Anna Nyburg will introduce her documentary film Refuge Britain, featuring the artists’ children and grandchildren.

14:30 Film screening

Refuge Britain: Stories of Émigré Designers (44 mins) followed by a short comfort break.

15:30 Panel discussion

15:45 Audience Q&A

In partnership with the Bernat Klein Foundation and part of Insiders/Outsiders Festival

Insiders/Outsiders is a nationwide arts festival celebrating the indelible contribution of refugees from Nazi-dominated Europe to British culture. For more information, visit insidersoutsidersfestival.org

Image: Peter Waugh, Bernat Klein at Netherdale Mill, 1960s (c) Peter Waugh

Host or Publisher National Museums Scotland