Not currently on display at the V&A

Joy to the World

Costume Design
1995 (designed)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Peter Minshall designed this costume for the 1995 Trinidad Carnival, on the theme of 'Joy to the World'. Artist Ali Pretty would transfer the design on to a silk costume using cold water dyes. The wearer, Alyson Brown, was awarded the title of Carnival Queen.

Peter Minshall would subsequently invite Ali Pretty to paint 42 costumes of the same design, known as The Guardian Angels, which were used in the Atlanta Olympics opening ceremonies in 1996.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleJoy to the World (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Watercolour, wax and pen on paper
Brief description
Costume design by Peter Minshall for Joy to the World, Trinidad Carnival, 1995
Physical description
A multi-coloured design for a female performer's costume. The design has one large wing on the left side of the performer with a bright multi-coloured pattern. The performer is lifting both arms to her sides, holding the dress. The design also shows a tall headdress on the performer in a similar multi-coloured pattern.
Dimensions
  • Height: 75cm
  • Width: 49.8cm
Gallery label
COSTUME DESIGN FOR THE TRINIDAD CARNIVAL 1995 Carnival artist Peter Minshall designed this costume for his band, ‘Hallelujah’, at the 1995 Trinidad Carnival. Carnival bands are large groups of participants who parade through the streets. The costume represents the theme of Joy to the World. Costume maker Ali Pretty transferred the colourful design on to silk using coldwater dyes. The wearer, Alyson Brown, was awarded the title of Carnival Queen. Designed by Peter Minshall Pen and ink, watercolour and wax on paper Given by Ali Pretty Museum no. S.294-2016
Credit line
Given by Ali Pretty
Associations
Summary
Peter Minshall designed this costume for the 1995 Trinidad Carnival, on the theme of 'Joy to the World'. Artist Ali Pretty would transfer the design on to a silk costume using cold water dyes. The wearer, Alyson Brown, was awarded the title of Carnival Queen.

Peter Minshall would subsequently invite Ali Pretty to paint 42 costumes of the same design, known as The Guardian Angels, which were used in the Atlanta Olympics opening ceremonies in 1996.
Other number
THM/426/1/1/1 - Archive number
Collection
Accession number
S.294-2016

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdMay 17, 2016
Record URL
Download as: JSON