Broadside advertising Signor Francesco's wax figures exhibition in London, 1832
Scope and Contents
This is a broadside advertising an exhibition on 59, Minories, London, showing "Signor Francesco’s... extensive and magnificent collection of Royal Wax & Composition Figures". Dated in manuscript "Saturday, Decr. 1st, 1832". London: Starie, printer.
The collection featured, amongst much else, an animated depiction of the dying moments of Mark Antony, an "elegant figure, in full armour, of William Wallace, the Hero of Scotland", a "striking likeness of William Shakespeare", and a "correct likeness of the late Sir Walter Scott, Bart.", who died in September 1832.
Dates
- Creation: 1832
Language of Materials
English
Conditions Governing Access
Open. Please contact the repository in advance.
Biographical / Historical
Francesco (sometimes Francisco) was from Milan. His was one of a number of waxwork exhibitions set up to rival Madame Tussaud's immensely successful show. Mechanical action was a feature that set Francesco's exhibition apart from most others.
Full Extent
1 sheet ; 50 x 19 cm
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Purchased in July 2025. Accession no. SC-Acc-2026-0030.
Physical Description
Single sheet broadside, tall folio, 50 cm x 19 cm, printed on one side.
Processing Information
Catalogued by Aline Brodin in May 2026, using information provided by the seller.
Repository Details
Part of the University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections Repository
Centre for Research Collections
University of Edinburgh Main Library
George Square
Edinburgh EH8 9LJ Scotland
+44(0)131 650 8379
heritagecollections@ed.ac.uk