Who sculpted the Spirit of Ecstasy mascot used on Rolls-Royce cars?

Charles Sykes sculpted the Spirit of Ecstasy mascot used on Rolls-Royce cars.

Sykes was an English sculptor who created the figurine for Rolls-Royce in the early twentieth century. Its design depicts a woman leaning forward with fabric flowing behind her, giving the ornament a sense of movement even when the car is stationary.

The model for the figure is commonly identified as Eleanor Velasco Thornton, who was associated with Rolls-Royce managing director Claude Johnson. Sykes had previously made a private mascot for Thornton’s car, and that concept developed into the official Rolls-Royce emblem.

The mascot was introduced in 1911. Its design has changed subtly over time, including alterations in size, posture, and mounting. It is often called the “Flying Lady,” but Spirit of Ecstasy is the official name. The ornament is not the Rolls-Royce coat of arms or the double-R badge; those are separate symbols.