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Story
February 25, 1898
The Guthrie Daily Leader
Guthrie, Logan County, Oklahoma
What is this article about?
An interview with a wax figure manufacturer explains the process of creating lifelike wax models, including studying anatomy, modeling from life, adding eyes and wigs, using beeswax with flesh tints, and pricing for heads and figures used in store displays.
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Full Text
MAKING WAX LIFE-LIKE.
How the Figures Are Modeled and Colored to Look Natural.
"How long does it take to make one of these?" said the manufacturer in response to an inquiry from a Boston Transcript man. "Well, it depends entirely upon circumstances. It is not a mechanical operation, the finishing off of a wax model as true to life as this," and he pointed to the bust of a laughing child, whose rosy neck and bright eyes were framed by clustering curls. "To make these one must have studied anatomy, as well as drawing and modeling. We begin in the same way as a sculptor would to make a statue. After the wax has cooled the eyes are put in, the face is 'made up,' as theatrical folks say, and the wig is fastened on and the wooden body is shaped. We make all our hands and feet from life and they cost about $10. If we have an order for an entire figure we model it from life. The life size wax figures of infants are among the finest things we manufacture, and they add much to the attractiveness of a show window, as was illustrated last winter, when a Washington street retail dealer displayed one during the holiday season. The head and shoulders, such as are seen in the milliner's windows, cost from $40 to $45. The wig makes considerable difference in the price, as we use the best hair and it is expensive, especially the natural blond, which is scarce. The children's heads cost $20 or thereabouts.
"All the finishing off imaginable," he continued, "would not make a figure stand the test of a season behind the glare of a gas unless the wax has a natural pink tinge. The reason some of the models look so deathly is because the wax is bad and not properly colored. We use beeswax, slightly colored, and flesh tints are put on in addition."
How the Figures Are Modeled and Colored to Look Natural.
"How long does it take to make one of these?" said the manufacturer in response to an inquiry from a Boston Transcript man. "Well, it depends entirely upon circumstances. It is not a mechanical operation, the finishing off of a wax model as true to life as this," and he pointed to the bust of a laughing child, whose rosy neck and bright eyes were framed by clustering curls. "To make these one must have studied anatomy, as well as drawing and modeling. We begin in the same way as a sculptor would to make a statue. After the wax has cooled the eyes are put in, the face is 'made up,' as theatrical folks say, and the wig is fastened on and the wooden body is shaped. We make all our hands and feet from life and they cost about $10. If we have an order for an entire figure we model it from life. The life size wax figures of infants are among the finest things we manufacture, and they add much to the attractiveness of a show window, as was illustrated last winter, when a Washington street retail dealer displayed one during the holiday season. The head and shoulders, such as are seen in the milliner's windows, cost from $40 to $45. The wig makes considerable difference in the price, as we use the best hair and it is expensive, especially the natural blond, which is scarce. The children's heads cost $20 or thereabouts.
"All the finishing off imaginable," he continued, "would not make a figure stand the test of a season behind the glare of a gas unless the wax has a natural pink tinge. The reason some of the models look so deathly is because the wax is bad and not properly colored. We use beeswax, slightly colored, and flesh tints are put on in addition."
What sub-type of article is it?
Curiosity
What keywords are associated?
Wax Figures
Modeling Process
Coloring Techniques
Lifelike Busts
Store Displays
Beeswax Tinting
What entities or persons were involved?
Manufacturer
Boston Transcript Man
Where did it happen?
Boston
Story Details
Key Persons
Manufacturer
Boston Transcript Man
Location
Boston
Event Date
Last Winter
Story Details
Manufacturer describes process of creating lifelike wax figures: study anatomy, model like sculpture, add eyes, makeup, wig, shape body; hands/feet from life at $10; full figures from life; infant figures for displays; heads $20-$45 depending on wig; use colored beeswax and flesh tints for natural look.