The iconic Rolls-Royce mascot, the Spirit of Ecstasy, marks its 100th anniversary this year – and to celebrate, a new exhibition has been unveiled at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu.

Telling the story behind the mascot’s creation, the exhibition explores the connections between motoring pioneer John Montagu, his friend (the British artist and sculptor) Charles Sykes, and John’s London-based secretary and mistress, Eleanor Thornton.

In 1910, Claude Johnson, the managing director of Rolls-Royce, commissioned Sykes to design a mascot “that belonged to the (Rolls-Royce) car as much as a carved wooden figurehead belonged to a sailing vessel.” The Spirit of Ecstasy has adorned every Rolls-Royce since 1911.

Widely believed to be the inspiration for Sykes’ iconic mascot, Eleanor sadly never lived to witness the global success of the emblem. While travelling to India with Lord Montagu in 1915, their ship was torpedoed by a German U-Boat. Whilst Eleanor lost her life in the attack, the married Lord Montagu survived and returned to England, unable to openly mourn for his secret lover.

Featured in the Beaulieu exhibition will be some of Charles Sykes’ original artwork, including special edition covers for The Car Illustrated magazine, which was edited by John Montagu, as well as several original bronzes. The exhibition will be on display in Palace House, Beaulieu until October 2011.