A waxwork of Sir David Attenborough has been unveiled by Madame Tussauds London as part of a collection of “icons that have shaped British culture”.
The artwork of the 97-year-old broadcaster was revealed at the Urban Jungle in London’s Barbican Conservatory, surrounded by 1,500 species of plants and trees to “pay homage” to his conservation work.
When placed in the Baker Street attraction, Sir David will appear alongside figures including Diana, Princess of Wales, British rapper Stormzy and seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, also dubbed “icons” that have influenced culture in Britain.
It is the second time Sir David has been immortalised in wax, with a previous figure having been unveiled 31 years ago in 1992.
The latest figure captures the much-loved broadcaster in his signature light blue shirt and khaki trousers with a working wristwatch, which Jo Kinsey, Madam Tussauds London studio manager, said was “super important”.
“We’ve got the lovely creases in the shirt and the trousers, the watch, the actual hands are ticking if you look closely, and then to the skin, it’s really important to pay attention to every little vein and every freckle and every hair has been styled,” she said.
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“…It was really important with Sir David that we captured the essence of him and the pose is warm, it’s gentle and his stance is how we’d normally see him on the television.”
Sir David’s career as a broadcaster and natural historian spans seven decades.
He has received two knighthoods for services to television broadcasting and conservation, had a fossil of the earliest known animal predator named after him, and in April 2022, was crowned ‘Champion of the Earth’ by the UN’s Environment Programme (UNEP).
“Sir David is a cherished cultural British gem, admired worldwide, and we know all of our guests, young and old alike will love getting the chance to meet the figure of the man behind that iconic voice,” Tim Waters, general manager at Madame Tussauds London said.
Sir David has lent his voice to the Planet Earth and Frozen Planet series, which shed new light on the incredible behaviour of the animal kingdom and have earned him plaudits from across the world.
“The king of the modern-day documentary… His work in the field of conservation is unrivalled and the immensely powerful mark he’s made on millions of people, by bringing the wonders of the world into our living rooms, through his ground-breaking broadcasting, is profound,” Mr Waters said.
The waxwork will be available to see at Madame Tussauds London from 20 October.
