How the incredibly lifelike wax figures at Madame Tussauds are made

Advertisement

Each figure takes a total of 15 artists three to four months to complete. The New York City location adds seven new figures each year, and globally the company aims to make about 230 figures in total. The first step of the process is a sitting with the celebrity.

Each figure takes a total of 15 artists three to four months to complete. The New York City location adds seven new figures each year, and globally the company aims to make about 230 figures in total. The first step of the process is a sitting with the celebrity.
Advertisement

During the sitting, more than 250 measurements of the celebrity are taken, including finding their exact hair, eye, and skin color.

During the sitting, more than 250 measurements of the celebrity are taken, including finding their exact hair, eye, and skin color.
Advertisement

After the sitting is done, the figure is sculpted in clay.

After the sitting is done, the figure is sculpted in clay.

The sculptors have to make sure the measurements are exact, and that their figure is starting to come to life.

The sculptors have to make sure the measurements are exact, and that their figure is starting to come to life.
Advertisement

Next, the molding process takes place — this is when the wax comes into play. Figures are cast in wax for about 170 hours.

Next, the molding process takes place — this is when the wax comes into play. Figures are cast in wax for about 170 hours.

After a successful molding process, the hair insertion is next.

After a successful molding process, the hair insertion is next.
Advertisement

Each strand of hair is inserted individually by hand. This intensive process takes about six weeks to complete.

Each strand of hair is inserted individually by hand. This intensive process takes about six weeks to complete.

Next, oil paints are used to mimic the exact skin tone. Artists are sure to make the skin translucent and a realistic texture.

Next, oil paints are used to mimic the exact skin tone. Artists are sure to make the skin translucent and a realistic texture.
Advertisement

Once the skin is finished, they insert the eyes and the teeth. The eyes are matched exactly to the subject's eye color and are made individually from acrylic resin. The teeth are designed from a mold that's taken during the sitting.

Once the skin is finished, they insert the eyes and the teeth. The eyes are matched exactly to the subject's eye color and are made individually from acrylic resin. The teeth are designed from a mold that's taken during the sitting.

The final step is finding a wardrobe for the figure. Generally subjects will donate a wardrobe for their figures to wear.

The final step is finding a wardrobe for the figure. Generally subjects will donate a wardrobe for their figures to wear.
Advertisement

Finally, finishing touches are made, and the wax figurine is ready for the spotlight. Once the finishing touch-ups are done, figures are sent to their official locations in a custom-made, foam-lined crate.

Finally, finishing touches are made, and the wax figurine is ready for the spotlight. Once the finishing touch-ups are done, figures are sent to their official locations in a custom-made, foam-lined crate.

Although all figures are made in London, each location has its own studio team to make sure their site's figures are up to par, and maintenance is done daily.

Although all figures are made in London, each location has its own studio team to make sure their site's figures are up to par, and maintenance is done daily.
Advertisement

There are more than 200 figures at the New York location, and globally more than 2,000 figures.

There are more than 200 figures at the New York location, and globally more than 2,000 figures.