A new Carnival exhibition titled “Jagessar Costumes Comes to Town” opened Feb. 13 at the Rotunda, National Library of Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain, drawing a number of tourists from the cruise ship Holland America Line MS Veendam. The exhibition, launched by the National Library and Information System Authority’s (NALIS) Heritage Library Division features drawings, designs, traditional Fancy Indian costumes and elements by veteran San Fernando mas man Lionel Jagessar. The collection was officially handed over to the Heritage Library Division (HLD) by Jagessar and his son Lionel Jagessar Jr. during the launch of the exhibit.

According to the exhibition’s curators “NALIS’ Heritage Library Division’s Carnival 2019 exhibition, is intended to pay homage to the efforts of Jagessar Costumes in ensuring the survival of Fancy Indian mas in Carnival celebrations within Trinidad and Tobago.”

Tourists who heard about the display, by chance, while walking near the National Library Building expressed great interest in Trinbago’s Carnival and culture. Remarking on the display, one visitor wrote “very creative and colourful” and another “fantastic presentation.” The foreigners came from countries as far as Australia, China and the United States.

The Heritage Library Division sincerely thanks Jagessar Costumes for collaborating with the Authority toward preserving and presenting local works to the public.

The display is open for viewing Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., till March 8.

NALIS’ Heritage Library services, which include information and library materials on Trinidad and Tobago’s land, peoples, history and culture, are currently available at the First Floor of the National Library Building, Corner Hart and Abercromby Streets Port of Spain.