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.