LOT 18

Charles Sykes (British, 1875-1950), 'Spirit of Ecstasy', the original design for the Rolls-Royce mascot,

Sold for £22,400 inc. premium

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Lot 18

Property from the collection of the late Jack Barclay

Charles Sykes (British, 1875-1950), 'Spirit of Ecstasy', the original design for the Rolls-Royce mascot,

Goodwood Festival of Speed|11 July 2025, 11:00 BST|Chichester, Goodwood

Charles Sykes (British, 1875-1950), 'Spirit of Ecstasy', the original design for the Rolls-Royce mascot,

signed 'Charles Sykes' with hand-written annotation by the artist 'Sketch for mascot' to lower edge, pencil, charcoal and pastel heightened with white on dark grey tone paper, believed drawn circa 1910, a profile view of the iconic 'Spirit of Ecstasy' mascot, the official emblem for the Rolls-Royce marque and officially created as a mascot February 6th 1911, in the form of a female nude with arms outstretched with billowing drapery, and inspired by Sykes' chosen model Eleanor Thornton, a one time paramour of the second Baron Montagu of Beaulieu, the visible image measuring 69 x 55cm, and glazed in later frame, measuring 82 x 67cm overall.

Footnotes

According to information supplied by the vendor, this illustrative design was gifted to Jack Barclay by Charles Sykes, and described by Sykes at the time as "The original design for the Spirit of Ecstasy".

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