Madame Tussaud and the History of Waxworks

The success of Madame Tussaud’s, from its beginnings in Paris before the French Revolution to its prolonged fame as a popular tourist attraction in London, bears out the fascination of waxworks. Pamela Pilbeam sees Madame Tussaud herself and her exhibition as part of the wider history of wax modeling and of popular entertainment. Tussaud’s catered for the public’s fascination with monarchy, whether Henry VIII and his wives or Queen Victoria, as well as for their love of history, acting as an accessible and enjoyable museum, but also providing the perennial fascination of the Chamber of Horrors.

Pamela Pilbeam sees Madame Tussaud herself and her exhibition as part of the wider history of wax modelling and of popular entertainment. Tussaud's catered for the public's fascination with monarchy, whether Henry VIII and his wives or Queen Victoria, as well as for their love of history, acting as an accessible and enjoyable museum (but also providing the perennial fascination of the Chamber of Horrors).