Lot Essay
Charles Sykes artistic ability is largely recognised in a decorative capacity. He worked mostly as a sculptor but also with Rolls Royce to design the Spirit of Ecstasy mascot which adorns their cars and which is now synonymous with the brand and the era. Because of this, and because Sykes largely painted for enjoyment, works of fine art by his hand do not often come to the market. This work, truly evocative of London life at the turn of the 20th century, typifies Sykes ability to define his era through his artistic output.