National Archives of Trinidad and Tobago commemorates Boscoe Holder’s 102nd birthday

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago: The National Archives of Trinidad and Tobago has recently remembered Arthur Aldwyn “Boscoe” Holder on the occasion of their 102nd birthday.

“Commemorating the 102nd birthday of Arthur Aldwyn “Boscoe” Holder, pictured here during the 1950s! He was an internationally-acclaimed painter, dancer, costume designer, actor, choreographer, bandleader, and pianist,” according to the update by the National Archives of Trinidad and Tobago.

It furthermore informed the general audience that, born in Trinidad on July 16th 1921, Boscoe Holder was a man of many talents who sought to capture the magic of Caribbean art and culture in his work.

Additionally, it informed that he created colourful paintings, sculptures and costumes that have graced stages and galleries around the world. He toured Europe with his Dance Company and band and even performed for Queen Elizabeth II on two occasions during the 1950s.

Throughout his life, Holder balanced careers in music, visual arts, dance and design. It was not until he returned to Trinidad in 1970, after living in the UK for 20 years, that he decided to focus primarily on painting, according to the social media update.

He exhibited his art locally and abroad, and a retrospective of his work, “Beauty in the Eye of the B Holder,” was held at the Venezuelan Embassy in Port of Spain in 1988.

In addition to this, the organisation informed that Holder passed away in Port of Spain on April 21st 2007, at age 85. To this day, his art continues to be cherished around the world.

The National Archives of Trinidad and Tobago also shared a photo of Boscoe Holder, circa the 1950s, courtesy of the Trinidad and Tobago Guardian, published on June 16th 2019. The newspaper is part of the National Archives of Trinidad and Tobago’s Newspaper Collection.