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In January 2011, the company launched The Spirit of Ecstasy Centenary Collection to mark its famous mascot’s 100th anniversary. Limited to just 100 Bespoke Phantom models, the collection featured exclusive body colours, leather combinations, wood veneers and interior details. All featured a specially commissioned Spirit of Ecstasy in solid silver, with six hallmarks (including two designed specifically for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars) on a black-gold plated illuminated base. Rolls-Royce also commissioned leading British portrait and fashion photographer Rankin to produce a series of 100 images inspired by the figurine. The MUSE of the marque The Spirit of Ecstasy was created by a highly respected artist and illustrator Charles Robinson Sykes (1875- 1950). Many of his wonderful designs for advertisements and magazine covers are conserved in London’s world-famous Victoria & Albert Museum (also known affectionately by connoisseurs of beautiful objects as the V&A). That foundational link with the world of fine art lives on, with the Spirit of Ecstasy serving as a muse and source of inspiration for the Rolls-Royce brand. 238 | Simply Abu Dhabi