On May 21st, the wax version of President Barack Obama came to San Francisco in style aboard Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Presidential Yacht, USS Potomac, with all of the pomp and circumstance that would be provided for the real deal.
Even close-up the details are spectacular in the new wax version of President Obama. Photo by Joel Williams
“The Presidential Yacht Potomac is a fitting conveyance for delivery of this wax representation of our new President, Barak Obama, to San Francisco,” said Potomac Foundation Executive Director Marti Burchell. “The USS Potomac, used by Franklin Delano Roosevelt, represents a President whose administration was one of the most significant in our country’s history. We hope the trip augers well for the new administration.”
The new figure of President Obama took approximately six months to create at a cost of $15,000. The process of creating a wax figure begins with a sculpted clay head that is then used to construct a plaster mold. After that, the mold is filled with a mixture of melted beeswax. As the wax begins to harden, excess wax is poured from the center of the mold, creating a hollow wax sculpture. After removing the plaster mold, medical glass eyes are set in place along with porcelain teeth. Human hair, including eyebrows and facial hair, are inserted one strand at a time. This process alone can take up to two months to complete. Layers of translucent paint are then applied, creating skin tones. Hands, arms and sometimes entire torsos are also manufactured in wax.
The Wax Museum at Fisherman’s Wharf began in 1963 with 150 life-sized figures in front of black curtains on the first floor. When it opened, it was one of the largest wax museums in North America. Now the exhibit includes over 275 figures in elaborately staged scenes, with costumes, props and lighting carefully constructed to authenticate people at the peak of their fame. Many scenes were designed and sculpted by Thomas Fong’s son Ronald, who has directed the family business in partnership with his father from its inception.
The Wax Museum at Fisherman’s Wharf continues to show all aspects of life, from the ignoble Chamber of Horrors to the inspiring Hall of Religion, including the historic Library of U.S. Presidents. Among both foreign and domestic visitors, the most popular part of the wax museum tour is the Gallery of Stars. Artisans are busy continually producing a galaxy of brand new stars, such as Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, who have joined such classics as Humphrey Bogart, Marilyn Monroe and John Wayne. For more information, go to www.waxmuseum.com.
The Wax Museum’s new Obama figure arrives at the ferry building escorted by “Secret Service” officer James Teiser as well as FDR lookalike Stuart Proffitt. Photo by Joel Williams
The new Obama figure can now be seen in this special display at the Wax Museum at Fisherman’s Wharf. Photo by Michael Micael/DP&A, Inc.
