Marie Tussaud Blue Plaque

About This Blue Plaque

Marie Tussaud was a remarkable French artist and businesswoman, best known for founding the famous wax museum Madame Tussauds. Born Anna Maria Grosholtz in 1761 in Strasbourg, France, she learned the art of wax modeling from her mother’s employer, Dr. Philippe Curtius. Tussaud’s early works included likenesses of Voltaire, Benjamin Franklin, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

During the French Revolution, Tussaud was imprisoned and narrowly escaped execution. She claimed that she was forced to make death masks of executed nobles, including King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. In 1802, she took her wax sculptures to London, where she established her first permanent exhibition on Baker Street.

In 1838, at the age of 77, Tussaud moved to 24 Wellington Road in St John’s Wood, where she lived until 1839. The Borough of Westminster, known for its rich history and iconic landmarks, provided a fitting location for the artist to continue her work. Tussaud’s museum, which featured both famous and infamous figures, became a major tourist attraction and remains so to this day.

Tussaud’s legacy extends beyond her artistry. She was a savvy entrepreneur who recognized the public’s fascination with celebrities, royalty, and notorious figures. Her museum provided a unique form of entertainment that combined art, history, and popular culture. Today, Madame Tussauds has branches in cities worldwide, attracting millions of visitors annually.

This blue plaque, erected in 2001, commemorates the brief period when Madame Tussaud resided at this address in St John’s Wood. It serves as a reminder of her incredible journey from a young apprentice in France to a celebrated artist and successful businesswoman in London, leaving an indelible mark on the city’s cultural landscape.