S2 Ep2: Marie Tussaud

Great European Lives with Charlie Connelly

In this episode, host Charlie Connelly explores the life of French wax artist Marie Tussaud. Her fascination with the human face began at an early age and stemmed from stories of her father. An established soldier, he was killed in the Seven Years’ War two months before she was born. After his death, her mother kept the silver plate he had fitted as part of his jar after previously losing it in battle - and the young Marie was fixated. It became an obsession that, decades later, led to the opening of the permanent exhibition of her waxworks in Baker Street, known today as the iconic Madame Tussauds. Enjoyed this episode? Let us know by tweeting @TheNewEuropean.