Marie Tussauds

"Off with their heads." As poor French citizens were losing their heads, Marie Tussauds would collect them and use her talents to make wax models of those who were famous.

Marie was born Anna Marie Grosholtz on December 1, 1761 in Strasbourg, France. Her family called her Marie. She lived with Dr. Philippe Curtius, because her father had died before she was born and her mom was the housekeeper for Dr. Curtius.

Dr. Curtius was a medical doctor who made wax faces as a hobby. He taught Marie how to be a modeler. Marie was a good student and learned quickly to make good models of people's faces. Marie made heads of famous people out of wax. Marie made a mold of the heads of King Louis XVI and the Queen Marie Antoinette after they were beheaded.

Today Madame Tussaud's work can be seen in London, Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Las Vegas and New York. You may see historical figures, sports stars, and movie stars.

She died in 1850 at the age of 89.

By Samantha & Nicole N., fourth grade, 2004

 

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