An Appreciation of Peter Womersley

I knew Peter as a close family friend, an influential, sometimes arrogant, blunt, but always accessible presence in my young life until his departure for Hong Kong just 25 years after arriving in the Borders.

I grew up in an intellectually curious, open and generous family; within our circle of close friends, the creative connection between Bernat Klein and Peter Womersley stood out. These were the influences that allow me to think of my Scottish Borders upbringing as a liberal one, contrary to the stereotype.

Bernat was the textile design counterpoint to Peter’s architecture. Together they brought a creative explosion and social conscience to the land of tweed and country houses and conservatism.

Deeply intellectual and well read, cultural peers and lifelong friends, where Bernat was on occasion intimidating in his challenges to an unformed mind, Peter could be openly dismissive of an ill-judged opinion or uninformed comment.

To my teenaged mind, his was a life of professional success, glamour, exotic holidays; of volleyball on Mondays and crashed cars on Tuesdays: the epitome of ‘60s style without ever a nod to ‘60s popular culture.

Kids and dogs loved him, although he feigned indifference, and we were met with generosity and warmth in spite of that; left with memories of long Sunday evening meals round the kitchen table and more formal Christmas parties; with tales of Italian holidays.

It was a privilege to be a witness to Peter’s most creative years then, as it is now to witness the resurrection of his reputation as a creative force.

James Colledge, September 2025