Rolls Royce claims their new overpriced behemoth is the quietest gas engine car in the world, probably ever. They're probably right

they make it with 286 pounds of sound insulation, thick exterior glazing, massive cast aluminum joints, and specialized tire inserts have reduced road noise to previously unseen levels.

But something else unique, the panel in front of the passenger is now going to be called the Gallery, at least, in the Rolls Royce Phantom, and it art segments have several designs to choose from, the most notable of which is a dash insert of aged multicolored feathers, an oil painting, and jewel-esque sunburst design, or the ridiculous physical representation of your personal DNA code, cast in gold.

The addition of the art gallery was meant as a way “reinterpret the motor cars’ dashboard from being a dead expanse into a riveting focal point,” said Giles Taylor, head of design for Rolls-Royce, in a statement that noted that dashboard provides an “unprecedented opportunity for the protection and presentation of works of art.”

Nature Squared: Iridescent Opulence

Thorsten Franck: Digital Soul

Porzellan Manufaktur Nymphenburg: Immortal Beauty

Richard Fox: Astrum

British Designer and Goldsmith, Richard Fox, used the allure of gemstones and the desire of Phantom’s patrons to furnish their interior cabin with precious metals and captivating stones to embellish many personal Rolls-Royce commissions with precious and semi-precious jewels including diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, rubies and Tanzanite.

Astrum, meaning star, constellation, glory, immortality and Heaven, was a concept produced by Alex Innes of Rolls-Royce Bespoke Design and Richard Fox of Fox Silver for New Phantom’s Gallery.

Inspiration was sought from artists who had explored the starburst formation in both the natural and man-made world. Sea urchins and plants, explosions and skyscapes, all had influence on Astrum’s final design.

Based Upon: A Moment in Time

“The spirit of Rolls-Royce, namely, speed with silence, absence of vibration, the mysterious harnessing of great energy, and a beautiful living organism of superb grace…”, the prose of Claude Johnson, Managing Director of Rolls-Royce at the time of the Hon. Charles Rolls and Sir Henry Royce.

 Based Upon sought to encapsulate this spirit, alive in the Spirit of Ecstasy as she graces the prow of each motor car made at the Home of Rolls-Royce.  This led to Based Upon’s interpretation of New Phantom’s Gallery.

 Lex Welch, Co-founder of Based Upon, commented, “We tried to capture a moment as though the Spirit of Ecstasy’s shawl was allowed to drape over the car at high speed, capturing that moment that leaves time standing still, as the Spirit of Ecstasy trails all in her wake.”

The creation of A Moment in Time is as remarkable as its muse. A swath of silk was pulled through a tank of water, weighted and suspended, controlling this moment. Captured on camera, the resulting fluid form was then analysed by the Rolls-Royce Design team and the artists of Based Upon, before being remastered in clay. A malleable wax sculpture was then reworked to optimise the impact of ‘The Gallery’s’ space. This final interpretation was machined from a solid billet of aluminium, polished to accentuate the curvature of the alluded fabric.

Liang Yuanwei Autumn Palette

sculpted silk appliqué piece  Whispered Muse  by British artistHelen Amy Murray, inspired by the Rolls-Royce hood ornament.


Among the examples on view at the unveiling were a landscape oil painting by Chinese artist Liang Yuanwei and a sculpted silk appliqué piece by British artist Helen Amy Murray, inspired by the Rolls-Royce hood ornament. “I saw that it was possible to combine my artistic vision with the vision of Rolls-Royce. I have found a common ground between my own creative system and what I feel is the culture of Rolls-Royce,” said Liang in a statement.

Prospective buyers shouldn’t feel limited by those designs presented in the initial rollout, as car owners will be able to customize the space with the bespoke work of their choosing. “If you have a preference for Jeff Koons, we will work with Jeff Koons,” Rolls-Royce designer Alex Innes told Autoweek.

If you aren’t in the market for an expensive artwork to go with your expensive car, Rolls-Royce will also decorate the area with special treatments in wood, porcelain, leather, or metal.

PS, Love the retro switch panel

http://www.automobilemag.com/news/eight-generation-rolls-royce-phantom-new-pinnacle-four-door-luxury
https://news.artnet.com/art-world/rolls-royce-phantom-art-gallery-1036283
https://www.slashgear.com/gv/2018-rolls-royce-phantom-viii-gallery/
http://www.notey.com/@eatlovesavor_unofficial/external/17281343/the-rolls-royce-phantom-the-gallery-a-completely-unique-art-exhibition-space-within-your-motor-car.html