There have always been, and will always be, those whose hopes and desires are not restrained by the customs of their day. Individuals for whom the accepted norm is a challenge, not a boundary.
We call these people ‘freethinkers’ – the dreamers and muses who have the power to change the world. And more often than not, they do…
20세기에 들어서면서 런던 피카딜리에 기반을 둔 'Automobile Club of Great Britain'에는 '모터링 세트'가 자주 모습을 드러냈습니다.
그중 당연히 눈에 띄는 사람은 자수성가한 천재 엔지니어 Henry Royce의 파트너이자 귀족 출신의 쇼맨인 Charles Rolls였습니다. Automobile Club 최초의 비서 Claude Johnson과 자동차 저널리즘의 선구자 John Douglas-Scott-Montagu도 빼놓을 수 없습니다.
그리고 보헤미안 아티스트 겸 조각가 Charles Robinson Sykes가 있었습니다. 독립적 성향이 강한 그룹과 친분을 다지는 과정에서 그가 제작한 '환희의 여신상' 은 이후 줄곧 국제적으로 인정받으며 완벽의 상징으로 자리매김 했습니다.
이들은 런던의 엘리트 계층을 상대적으로 소심해 보이게 만들 정도로 강렬한 경험을 갈망하던 무리였습니다. 그리고 이들의 중심에는 Eleanor가 있었습니다...
Although born in Victorian times, Eleanor Thornton would have personified modernity – whatever age she graced.
From a modest background, her intellect and charisma saw her rise through an elitist society. She became the central presence of an unsung, yet immeasurably influential coterie of mavericks; one that helped to shape the future of motoring.
Their lives now intertwined professionally, as well as by the bonds of friendship, it was her voice that led them. She was a mercurial force that galvanised the group, allowing them to stand together at the forefront of a new frontier of motor travel.
Swapping stale members' clubs and silent reading rooms for the roar of the racetrack and the camaraderie of the workshop, this talented collective laced their liberal attitudes with the excitement of speed and competition. Led by their muse, they mastered the art of motoring at pace, over distances never believed possible and encased them in the comfort of luxury, setting the template for every sophisticated thrill seeker since. A feeling they would define as ‘ecstasy’...
Now, her aura is free to imbue the dreams of all whose imaginations are fired by her legacy. As Charles Rolls’ desire permeates those creations that still bear his name, every statuette that slices the air atop a Rolls-Royce personifies Eleanor’s own tilts at freedom.
Whenever luxury affords us the chance to enjoy that same illusion, we will be in the company of Eleanor’s spirit. Leading now, just as she did then. Transcending time for each new generation – a guiding light for the fearless. For those who would change the world, she is the star to set their course by.
Our muse.
The audacious Spirit of Ecstasy.
Delve further into stories of Inspiring Greatness.
Introducing the visionary Rolls-Royce 103EX. Journey into the future of luxury travel, with our first ever autonomous motor car.
