Jewels for the Road

All-new exhibition at Revs Institute showcases 25 unique car mascots from master glass artisans.

As part of its mission: “Preserving the Future of the Past,” Revs Institute features an exhibit of the most well-known glass mascot artisans including René Lalique, Marius Ernest Sabino, Red Ashay, and Lucille Sevin for Etling.

Revs Institute worked with automotive mascot veteran collector, Jon Zoler, who is based in Naples, to display this collection of extraordinary glass sculpture for cars.

Between 1900 and 1935, automotive mascots (artistic ornaments used to personalize a vehicle) were produced to adorn the caps of externally mounted radiators. While generally cast of brass, bronze, or zinc, in rarer cases, mascots were molded from glass, allowing artists to expand their technique in shape, color, and finish. To further enhance the visual impact of these works of art, a lighting fixture could be attached at the base of a glass mascot.

By the mid-1930s, mascots started to disappear, largely because automobile companies began installing radiators under the hoods of cars. Today, only Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Mercedes-Benz still use mascots.

 This exhibit opens to visitors on January 29, 2022. For more information, including hours, tour times and ticket prices, or call 1 239 687-7387. Advance reservations only. Regrettably, walk up visitors cannot be accommodated.