It is an emblem synonymous with opulence worldwide, yet the enchanting tale behind its creation and its deep-rooted Hampshire heritage remains largely untold. Rolls-Royce’s iconic Spirit of Ecstasy mascot offers a glimpse into a captivating love story from more than a century ago. Sculpted by Charles Robinson Sykes at the behest of Claude Johnson, the managing director of Rolls-Royce, the Spirit of Ecstasy has graced the radiators of their automobiles since 1911.
While many affluent drivers and passengers have admired this exquisite figure, few are aware of its extraordinary origins. Sykes found his muse in Eleanor Velasco Thornton, the secret lover of his friend and automotive pioneer, John Walter Edward-Scott-Montagu, the second Lord Montagu of Beaulieu. Eleanor’s clandestine affair with the married Lord Montagu was fiercely guarded.
However, Sykes, a trusted confidant, received a special commission from Lord Montagu to create a unique mascot for his 1909 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost. Drawing inspiration from Eleanor's beauty, Sykes crafted a delicate statue of a woman enveloped in flowing robes, her finger mysteriously pressed to her lips. Dubbed "The Whisper," this one-of-a-kind mascot remains an exclusive adornment for the Montagu family's Rolls-Royces.
The meaning behind the enigmatic gesture has been a subject of speculation, with some suggesting it alludes to the car's silent engine while others believe it's a plea for secrecy about the illicit romance. (Image: Echo) .