In 1974, Sherry-Ann Guy wowed Carnival with her costume ‘From the Land of the Hummingbird” - winning Junior Carnival Queen and overall Individual of the Year among a slew of prizes and accolades.

That costume's lasting influence was far more significant than the applause and awards it won during the Carnival season. Its designer - Sherry-Ann’s adopted brother, Peter Minshall - was a theatre designer at the time, living and working primarily in London. After The Hummingbird, Minshall’s creative and professional life became increasingly centred on Carnival - specifically, on mas: the art form with which he is most strongly associated today.

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In the fifty years since he saw his sister Sherry-Ann captivate Carnival crowds as the Hummingbird, Minshall has built a career as an artist whose work has been seen on some of the world’s biggest stages: three Olympics, two World Cups (one cricket, one football), collaborating with Jean-Michel Jarre on two of the largest open-air concerts in recorded history, and - of course - contributions to Carnival in Trinidad that stretch from the 1970s to the present day.

From Jan 23 to Mar 9, 2024, Castle Killarney in Port of Spain will host the first-ever dedicated exhibition of Minshall’s original working drawings for the Hummingbird. Complemented by artefacts, archival material, and memories provided by those who witnessed the original flight of the Hummingbird first-hand, the drawings are the centre-piece of a detailed journey into the artist’s process.

From drawing board to the Savannah stage, see the Hummingbird spread her wings at Castle Killarney this Carnival season. And join us in celebrating the career of one of Trinidad’s most extraordinary artists.