Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy Mascot marks its centenary
By Andrew, 28 Apr, 2011. 0 Comments
Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy
The Spirit of Ecstasy, the famous Rolls-Royce mascot that has adorned the radiator of every Rolls-Royce since 1911, marks its 100th anniversary this year. In line with this significant symbol of motoring history as well as its links with the Montagu family, a new exhibition will be launched in the family home of Palace House on May 5, 2011. In essence, the exhibition explores the connections of motoring pioneer John Montagu to Charles Sykes, his British artist and sculptor friend, and to Eleanor Thornton, his London-based mistress and secretary.
Managing Director Claude Johnson of Rolls-Royce, in 1910, commissioned Sykes to create a mascot “that belonged to the (Rolls-Royce) car as much as a carved wooden figurehead belonged to a sailing vessel.” Thornton was widely believed to be the inspiration for the iconic mascot that Sykes created. She did not live to see the international success of the icon designed in her image. In 1915, while traveling to India with Lord Montagu aboard the P&O liner SS Persia, the ship was attacked by a German U-Boat.
Thornton died but Lord Montagu survived and went back to England. He was distressed in grief but was not unable to openly mourn for his mistress. Another mascot that Sykes designed for Montagu, entitled The Whisper, immortalized the secret love affair between Eleanor and the married John. The icon shows a young woman, who was believed to be based on Eleanor, with a secretive forefinger pressed to her lips. The exhibition will also display the original artwork of Sykes such as the special edition covers for The Car Illustrated magazine, edited by Montagu. Several original bronzes will also be showcased. The exhibition will be one that should not be missed considering that original artworks and ephemera to be showcased are rarely seen in public.
Gallery: Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy
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