STAFF AT Perth Museum are celebrating after they scooped a conservation “Oscar.”

At a glittering ceremony at the British Museum in London the Fair City gallery was named winner of the 2007 award of the renowned Institute of Conservation.

The biennial prize is supported by Sir Paul McCartney.

Perth Museum took the award for its efforts to care for and display a fashionable man’s silk doublet from the 1620s.

Judges described the work as “impeccably exquisite.”

The project beat stiff opposition for the award, which aims to recognise excellence in the conservation of cultural heritage in the UK.

After making it on to the final short list of three, the doublet was up against the SS Great Britain Trust for its conservation of the huge iron-built passenger liner and the National Trust for its care of a 16th century table carpet.

With such opponents, success was far from guaranteed—but the judges concluded that the Perth project combined “professional expertise with education, enjoyment and excitement.”

They added, “We were hugely impressed by the co-operation between the conservator and the curator, and the way that they worked with a whole host of others to breathe new life into this wonderful garment and share their understanding and enthusiasm with the public.”

Dame Liz Forgan, who chaired the judging panel, said the doublet was a worthy winner.

“This conservation project had everything—an immensely talented conservator who made it safe for display and a museum curator whose enthusiasm has ensured a wonderfully informative exhibition,” she said.

“These awards are a really good idea. Once every two years we shine a light on them and say, ‘Look at these people. They are wonderful.’ ”

Councillor Liz Grant, convener of Perth and Kinross Council’s lifelong learning committee, said everyone in the area should be proud of the museum’s remarkable success.

“This is a highly prestigious award and was won against very strong competition,” she said.

“We are delighted to see Perth and Kinross competing successfully on a national stage.

“The doublet is one outstanding object among many in the collections in our care.

Mrs Grant added, “We hope that the publicity surrounding this award will encourage many more people to visit the museum and experience first hand the efforts we are undertaking in making local heritage accessible.”

The doublet exhibition, A Stitch In Time, continues at Perth Museum and Art Gallery in George Street until December 31.

Admission is free. The museum is open from 10am-5pm, Monday to Saturday.