Monmouth, Wales, U.K.
April 16, 2004

Monmouth Museum today announced the opening of a new Charles S. Rolls exhibition and the launch of a special limited edition commemorative set of rare photographs called, "The Hon. C.S. Rolls 1877-1910: An Extraordinary Life". The boxed set of photos and historical commentary will be issued from May 4th, 2004, exactly 100 years after Charles Stewart Rolls and Henry Royce first met and initiated one of the most famous partnerships in motoring and aviation history.

"We are fortunate to own a remarkable collection of photographs and memorabilia about Charles Rolls", said Monmouth Museum's Curator, Andrew Helme. "They have rarely been seen outside the museum, and we have never issued a commemorative set before. We believe collectors worldwide will be interested in the carefully chosen images, such as an early 'Silver Ghost' car and Charles with Wilbur Wright in a Wright Flyer."

Although born in London, C.S. Rolls spent his childhood at The Hendre, his family's large estate near Monmouth in southeast Wales. Charles's daredevil and pioneering exploits caught the public imagination in turn of the century Britain. After his untimely death, aged 33, in a flying accident, his mother, Lady Llangattock, carefully preserved images and mementoes of her youngest son, which now form part of a Rolls family collection in Monmouth Museum.

The commemorative limited edition includes photographs and commentary, which illuminate the many facets of Charles S. Rolls: entrepreneur, wealthy aristocrat, balloonist, motor car racer, businessman and aviator.

Only 500 numbered commemorative sets will be issued. Designed and produced by Heritage Hall, a Welsh company specialising in fine art limited editions, the boxed sets will be sold exclusively through the Monmouth Museum shop, and the online shop of Heritage Hall at www.heritage-hall.com; each will have a certificate of authenticity.

Contact:

Andrew Helme
Curator
Monmouth Museum
Tel: +44 (0)1600 710630

Judy Roland
Heritage Hall
Tel: +44 (0)1873 851669
enquiries@heritage-hall.com