ROLLS ROYCE 'SPIRIT OF ECSTASY' SHOWROOM BRONZE ON MARBLE, SIGNED CHARLES SYKES

DESCRIPTION

Mid-20th Century British showroom display bronze of the legendary Rolls-Royce mascot which was designed by Charles Sykes R.A, the patinated bronze sculpture is set on a round marble plinth. Signed Charles Sykes - (later cast). The Spirit of Ecstasy, also called Eleanor, Silver Lady, or Flying Lady, was designed by Sykes, a graduate of London's Royal College of Art, and carries with it a story about secret passion between Montagu, second Baron Montagu of Beaulieu after 1905, a pioneer of the automobile movement, and editor of The Car Illustrated magazine from 1902, and the model for the emblem, Eleanor Velasco Thornton.

Eleanor (also known as Thorn) was the secretary of John Walter, who fell in love with her in 1902 when she worked for him on the aforesaid motoring magazine. Their secret love was to remain hidden, limited to their circle of friends, for more than a decade. The reason for the secrecy was Eleanor's impoverished social and economic status, which was an obstacle to their love. On the other hand, Montagu had been married to Lady Cecil Victoria Constance Kerr since 1889.

CONDITION

In Great Condition - No Damage.

SIZE

Height: 65cm
Width: 36 x 45cm