A RARE jacket that dates back to the 17th century will be the focal point for an exhibition at Perth Museum and Art Gallery.

The jacket, or doublet, was donated to the collection by the descendants of Helen McBain Menzies and it will go on display alongside a replica suit from the same period.

The design for the enormous breeches, or trunk hose, was based on a pair in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

The replica suit was hand-made by historical costumiers, Ninya Mikhaila in Nottingham.

Susan Payne, who is responsible for research at Perth Museum and Art Gallery, said yesterday, “This suit told everyone that the wearer was wealthy and important and worth looking at.

“The satin used to make the replica was chosen because it matched the weight of the original. Satin is difficult to dye by hand so the material was bought ready-dyed.

“This was specially imported from weavers in New York State, America. The braid and buttons were hand-made to match the new silk and their design is as close as possible to the thickness of the original threads on the 17th century doublet.”

She continued, “The chance of clothes surviving intact from this period of history is very remote. I must say I was amazed when I first saw it.

“And there are archives in existence that may tell us who wore the doublet, which is exciting.”

The replica jacket, which was styled between 1618-1620, was modelled yesterday by Andy Cottier.

“It feels like the 17th century equivalent of a million dollars wearing this,” he said.

“I was told the doublet still retains both the original sticks of whalebone that give it its shape and the iron loops on to which the wearer hooked his breaches.”

The doublet project received support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which included restoration of the original.

This rare gem will form the centrepiece of the exhibition, alongside the replica suit, when it opens on February 24.