Madame Tussauds in London is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, attracting millions of visitors every year. The museum is famous for its lifelike wax figures of celebrities, historical figures, and political leaders from around the world.
Each figure on display at Madame Tussauds is meticulously crafted to capture the likeness and personality of the person it represents. But have you ever wondered which figure at Madame Tussauds is the oldest? Let’s find out.
The Oldest Figure on Display
The oldest figure on display at Madame Tussauds in London is that of Madame du Barry. She was a French courtesan who became the mistress of King Louis XV. Madame du Barry was born in 1743 and died by guillotine during the French Revolution in 1793.
Her wax figure was made by Marie Tussaud herself in 1794, just a year after Madame du Barry’s death. Marie Tussaud was an artist who learned how to make wax figures from her mentor, Philippe Curtius. She began making wax figures as part of Curtius’s traveling exhibition before opening her own museum in London in 1835.
The History of Madame du Barry’s Figure
Madame du Barry’s figure has a fascinating history. Marie Tussaud created it using a death mask or cast made from Madame du Barry’s face after her execution. The cast was made by one of Marie’s assistants, who went to France to retrieve it.
The figure has survived fires, bombings, and other disasters over the years. During World War II, when German bombs destroyed much of London, Madame du Barry’s figure was moved to safety along with other valuable items from the museum.
Since then, the figure has undergone several restorations and updates to keep it looking as lifelike as possible. Today, visitors can see Madame du Barry’s figure in all its glory, complete with her elaborate 18th-century clothing and jewelry.
- The Making of a Wax Figure: Making a wax figure is a time-consuming process that involves several steps. First, the artist creates a clay model of the person they want to represent.
Then, they make a mold of the face and body using plaster or silicone. Finally, they pour melted wax into the mold to create the final figure.
- A Living Museum: Madame Tussauds is not just a museum of wax figures; it’s also a living museum that changes and evolves over time. New figures are added regularly to reflect current events and popular culture trends.
In Conclusion
Madame du Barry’s figure may be the oldest on display at Madame Tussauds in London, but it’s far from being the only one worth seeing. Visitors can also see figures of famous musicians, actors, politicians, and historical figures from around the world.
Whether you’re interested in history, pop culture, or just enjoy seeing lifelike recreations of famous people, Madame Tussauds is definitely worth a visit. And now that you know which figure is the oldest there, you can impress your friends with your newfound knowledge!