A Brief History of Luxury: Rolls Royce and the Spirit of Ecstasy, the legendary acme of freedom

The embodiment of speed and grace, she spreads her wings. Perched on her promontory, she splits the air as the wind rushes through her dress, as if she were about to take flight. For over a century, the “Spirit of Ecstasy” has sat majestically on the front grille of Rolls Royce cars. But the British automaker’s famous mascot is much more than just a radiator ornament.

What do Karl Lagerfeld, James Bond and King Charles III have in common?

They’re all eminent fans of Rolls Royce and its famous winged mascot, the “Spirit of Ecstasy ”.

The Spirit of Ecstasy, the most recognizable of all radiator cap ornaments, has been enthroned on the front of the British manufacturer’s cars since 1911, like the proud figurehead of a ship.

Elegant and sculptural, it’s a heart-tugger… and a magnet for envy. Since 2003, the figurehead has even been fully retractable, in order to protect the vehicle owner from misfortune.

Its story is a mixture of beautiful cylinders, the throes of vehicle customization, the splendors of the ancient Greeks and adulterous love. And all with the same deliciously British spirit.

A commission to an illustrator-sculptor

In 1910, the customization of radiator figurines was in full swing. But for Rolls Royce managing director Claude Johnson, there was no question of letting customers disfigure the aesthetics of their cars with a choice that would be highly questionable.

This was without counting on a friend and Rolls Royce owner. Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, one of the pioneers of motoring journalism, wanted to introduce him to his newspaper’s chief illustrator, Charles Sykes. Sykes was also a sculptor, having studied with the eminent Professor Edouard Lanteri at the Royal College of Art.

Working under the pseudonym “de Rilette”, Charles Sykes designed advertisements and covers for The Car Illustrated, a medium owned by Lord Montagu de Beaulieu and Britain’s leading motoring magazine.

Claude Johnson asked the artist, author of the Gordon Bennett Cup trophy, to create an exclusive mascot for his car brand.

The sculptor, who had received a similar request from Lord Montagu for an effigy of his mistress, Eleanor, saw an opportunity to kill two birds with one stone.