starsofhistory.com

Christopher Dunne presents a truly unique modernization of the classic "wax museum" exhibit popular around the world. Visit this site for updates.

Behind The Scenes Preview:

Below are work-in-progress sculptural studies of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington. They have no hair or eyes because these models are a preliminary step in creating the final three dimensional portrait figures that are featured in the exhibit.

These preliminary models are created utilizing the most accurate information available regarding every detail, including period painted and sketched portraits, written descriptions, contemporary photography where possible, life casts and sculptural portraiture.

In the detail views below of these preliminary models, rough skin texture is added, and lighting is tested to reflect conditions in the final exhibit. These particular models are now retired, their purpose fulfilled, never to be seen again in public. State-of-the-art elastic chemical skin is cast from the models with lifelike flesh semi-transparency and tone. Unlike traditional wax, the materials will not age, wear or degrade for centuries. Hair and eyelashes are inserted and eyes are installed in the full size figure, duplicating the image and personal presence of these stars of history. Coming soon... images of the completed Lincoln and Washington, and more behind-the-scenes previews of other figures in development.

The Process of making a portrait figure for animnatronic adaptation:

Unlike a traditional "wax figure" portrait, a mechanically animated figure must be hollow, yet very durable, and rigid but also flexible. It needs to repairable and hold up to environmental changes. Christopher Dunne's unique techniques produce the highest quality and accuracy of three dimensional portrait representations of the "Stars Of History"

The origunal model is covered with a flexible and durable material. This negative mold is necessary to make a precise duplicate of the model, allowing the duplicate to be strong and hollow to accomodate the insertion of the animatronic mechanism

The flexible negative mold requires a rigid external "mother mold" to support the positive cast, utilizing a special four layer lamination casting in a process developed by Christopher Dunne

The positive cast consists of a thin flexible material, which bonds to a thicker flexible material. Then a bonding material layer is applied followed by a final rigid material interior. At this point the positive cast is ready for the application of details, hair, eyes and skin texture

Want to know more? Email info@starsofhistory.com