Staying on task was difficult, but I was there to see, and write about a temporary exhibition, featuring over 200 automotive mascots from the Miles Collier Collection, with contributions from Jon Zoler, a local collector. There were 8 temporary displays set up around the Institute titled “Rolling Sculpture Automotive Mascots.”
Starting in the main greeting area, there is a beautiful permanent display of mascots. These pieces are presented in a semi-circle showcase, and staggered vertically.  All are numbered, so museum guests can press corresponding numbers on an iPad to read the story belonging to each one. I chose #25 first, as my husband is a HUUUUGEEE Alabama fan. The 1920s “Elephant” from the Viennese foundry of Frank Bergman is said to symbolize strength, power and longevity… somehow fitting for the Crimson Tide. 

Next was “Stories and More,” a collection of mascots that individually have interesting stories. My favorite story (even if rather macabre) was of the “Amilcar Pegasus II,” the logo for Amilcar by French sculptor Darel, circa 1920s-30s.  In 1927, the famous French-American dancer, Isadora Duncan was a passenger in an Amilcar, sporting her distinctive very long red scarf that symbolized her communist political beliefs. Her ride ended abruptly as the lengthy red scarf tangled in the spokes of a wheel, instantly yanking her from the car and breaking her neck.  A clear warning to future activists everywhere not to wear their political beliefs around their throats.

The 3rd display features “Mascotte d’Elegance”.  Those which were made solely as works of art to be displayed (most likely) on parade. 

The most impressive by far is, “St. George and the Dragon”, patron saint of England by Carl Thenn, circa 1920s.  A similar one was believed to be on Queen Elizabeth’s royal Bentley.

 “Animals, Animals, Animals” is the title to the 5th display.        Popular inspirations for design, custom mascots were often made of a favorite animal or pet. 

One such favorite is “Alsatian Dog with Chain”, a design inspired by rescue dogs, circa 1920s. 

The wise look in her eyes, portrays the intelligence these hard-working dogs must have in order to find and rescue victims of disaster.
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“Whimsical Wonders” is the theme of the 6th display.  Not all mascots were designed around the serious or everyday objects.  Occasionally, novelty ruled the day! 

My favorite, “Grenouille Tirant une Coquille,” that’s “Frog Pulling a Shell” in English.  Made by French artist Paul Francis Louchet in 1923. 

Looking closely, there’s a rather natty little bug perched atop the shell, too.  Possibly a beetle?  Whimsical?  Yeah.

“Royal Automobile Club Full Member”  for the private British auto club, 1910-20s.  If there was a crown on top, then it was for a “Full Member”.  No crown, just an “Associate Member”. 

Should you become a “Full Member” back in the early 1900s, not only did you receive all the privileges membership entails, but volunteers used to stand along the roadways to salute you.

Beware, should they neglect to salute you, it was best to ease off the gas, as this meant there was a speed trap ahead. 

All perfectly legal, if you could afford the prestigious full membership whose origins began over outrage of the egregious 20 mph speed limit of the times.