UPDATE : 23 November 2010
By Maneeya Dhammataree

London’s Baker Street Bazaar became the world famous Madame Tussauds wax museum’s first permanent home in 1836 after the founder learned that she would not be able to return to France due to the Franco-British War.

Marie Tussaud (Born: Anna Marie Groshaltz, 1761-1850) made her first waxwork in 1777, but her name has since become synonymous with the art of producing waxwork models of famous historical figures and celebrities, thanks to the success of her first permanent waxwork museum.


Over recent years, the museum’s operations have expanded significantly after opening branches in Amsterdam, Berlin, Blackpool (northwest England), Dubai, Hamburg, Hollywood, Hongkong, Las Vegas, Moscow, New York City, Shanghai, Vienna and Washington DC. This year, Southeast Asia celebrates the opening of its first Madame Tussauds here in Bangkok, which includes 70 lifelike figures, representing some of the world’s best-known celebrities and stars.


Detailed Duplicates
According to Paul Williams, general manager of Madame Tussauds Bangkok, the Bangkok facility abides by the same principles adhered to by its other outlets worldwide by presenting highly detailed models of some of the world’s best known stars and celebrities.


Williams noted that Marie Tussaud began by making ‘death masks’ of leading aristocrats who met the fate of the guillotine during the French revolution (1889-99).

During a traveling exhibition of the works through France and England, Tussaud also crafted waxworks of well known Royals, writers and artists of the time.


A Team Effort
Once Tussaud established a permanent home for her waxworks in London, the Madame Tussauds brand was able to grow from strength to strength. Although Tussaud passed away over 160 years ago, the facility has produced a steady stream of highly skilled wax sculptors.

“To maintain our principles, each figure has about 20 people involved in its production and maintenance,” Williams says.


Before a waxwork is produced, meetings, lasting up to six hours, are held between the sculptors and the subject. This period is used to take measurements and detailed notes referring to the subject’s complexion and the color of their eyes and hair.


If the model is of someone who has already passed away, to achieve a good likeness the sculptors study detailed information regarding the appearance of the individual, while also examining in detail their gestures by means of photos and video footage.

“If we feel the figure doesn’t accurately portray the subject, we will reject it and start all over again,” Williams notes.


Familiar Faces
I recently had the opportunity to tour the ‘Film and TV’ rooms at Madame Tussauds Bangkok.

I was particularly impressed by the model of my favorite American TV host, Oprah Winfrey, who is sat on a sofa within an area that resembles the set from ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show’. Meanwhile, I was stunned by the way the sculptors had achieved such an accurate portrayal of Hollywood actor Jim Carrey’s smile. Nicolas Cage’s eyes also appear as dreamily romantic as in the movies.


I also got the chance to spend a little time with ‘Jaa’ Phanom Yeerum (see photo, left), who is better known internationally as the Hollywood actor and martial arts expert Tony Jaa. In a posture resembling one often used by the late, legendary Hongkong kung fu master Bruce Lee, the model accurately represents the impressive definition of the Thai star’s beautiful, strong muscles.

Hands-On Approach
Visitors to the London home of Madame Tussauds were not able to touch, or even get near to the models until a fairly recent change in policy. This is welcome news as I thoroughly enjoyed being able to wrap my arms around some of the celebrities’ necks.


The museum also features some of the world’s leading historical figures, such as the late Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi and the exiled Tibetan Buddhist leader, the Dalai Lama. You will also find a model of current US President Barack Obama and sports stars, such as Liverpool FC’s captain, Steven Gerrard.


Other interesting models of local stars include likenesses of the award-winning actress Anne Thongprasom, the late Mitr Chaibancha (a legendary movie actor and stunt man [see photo, above]), Petchara Chaowarat (a ‘leading lady’ in many Thai movies of the 1960s and 70s) and Sombat Methanee (a leading actor and director).


Regal Highlights
Madame Tussauds Bangkok was graciously granted permission to create waxwork likenesses of King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s father and mother - His Royal Highness Prince Mahitala Thibed Adulyadej Vikrom Phra Baroma Rajajanok and Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra. Representing the high point of the exhibition, these representations are displayed in the Royal Room.

After completing my tour of the facilities, it soon became evident just why Madame Tussauds has managed to retain its popularity over such a long period of time.

Madame Tussauds Bangkok is located on the sixth floor of Siam Discovery. The museum officially opens its doors to the public on December 4.

For further information, call Tel: +66 (0)2 658 0060.

Transport Connections:
Train: Take a BTS skytrain to National Stadium. Disembark at Exit 3 and follow the signs for Siam Discovery.


source: Tannetwork.tv