The Spirit of Ecstasy, the enigmatic symbol of Rolls-Royce, celebrates her centenary in 2011.

To commemorate the occasion, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has commissioned world-renowned British photographer Rankin to create a series of one hundred contemporary images, each one inspired by the Spirit of Ecstasy.

Rankin was inspired to mark the centenary of this most iconic of figures with the creation of one hundred contemporary images of the female form - each one representing a theme that Rankin personally associates with the Spirit of Ecstasy.

Themes such as ageless beauty, power, grace and effortless speed. He was also inspired by the sculptural forms, materials and textures of the Spirit of Ecstasy and by the mystique and intrigue that surround her.

This is an ongoing art project, and Rolls-Royce will be adding new images to the collection throughout the Spirit of Ecstasy's centenary year.

This unique collection of portraits will be shown exclusively at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars events and dealerships throughout 2011.

About Rankin
Rankin's dynamic and intimate portraits have gained him a reputation as one of the world's leading photographers.

Whether his lens is turned towards a world leader, an actor, musician, fashion model or a child, Rankin's creative portraiture captures the essential character and spirit of his subjects, creating an image that is almost magnetic in its power

Often questioning established notions of beauty, Rankin is no stranger to controversy and igniting debate with his work. As well as shooting for Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Elle, GQ and Esquire, Rankin is affiliated with a number of charities including Women's Aid and Oxfam. His list of portrait subjects extends from HRH Queen Elizabeth II and Mikhail Gorbachev to U2 and the Rolling Stones.

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