THE NELSON MUSEUM in Monmouth has launched an exhibition to
mark the centenary of the death of Charles Rolls, co-founder of Rolls-
Royce, pioneer motorist and aviator.
The exhibition, which opened on Saturday 13th February, runs until
31st October, and was made possible through generous support from
Rolls-Royce plc.
The title of the exhibition – So Why Not? – was Rolls's response when
asked whether he was putting his life at risk
by his adventurous activities.
Based on the museum's collection of Rolls
family material, the exhibition reveals his
background as youngest son of a wealthy Victorian
land-owning family, and his close
involvement with the early days of motoring
and flying.
His death in 1910 at the controls of his aeroplane,
the first British casualty in a powered
flight, followed soon after he made the first
non-stop return crossing of the English Channel
by aeroplane, and six years after he
teamed up with Henry Royce to develop and
sell what would become "the most famous cars
in the world".
Thanks to the sponsorship of Rolls-Royce
plc, a programme of educational activities will
run throughout the duration of the exhibition.
These are designed to meet the needs of
schools, families and individuals of all ages.
The programme will use the museum collections
and the resources of the Rolls-Royce aero
engines company to look at the life and legacy
of Charles Rolls, taking in local history, the
history of transport, and current issues such
as green technology.