Reassembling the Deaf Wax Figures by Don Baer in Collaboration with Preservation Arts

Parodi Charitable
Dec 2, 2025
3 min read

Link to the Preservation Arts website about this project

The art of wax figure creation captures moments in time, preserving faces and stories with remarkable detail. When these figures suffer damage or disassembly, restoring them requires skill, patience, and respect for their history. Recently, a significant project brought together Don Baer, a renowned wax artist, and Preservation Arts, a specialist in conservation, to reassemble a unique collection of Deaf wax figures. This collaboration highlights the challenges and rewards of restoring art that represents an important cultural and historical community.

The Significance of the Deaf Wax Figures

The Deaf wax figures created by Don Baer are more than just artistic representations. They honor the Deaf community by capturing expressions, gestures, and personalities that reflect Deaf culture and history. Each figure tells a story, preserving the identity and achievements of individuals who have contributed to the Deaf world.

Over time, these figures faced deterioration and damage due to environmental factors and handling. The need to restore them was urgent to maintain their educational and cultural value. This project aimed to bring the figures back to their original form while respecting the artist’s vision and the community’s heritage.

Challenges in Reassembling Wax Figures

Wax figures are delicate and complex. Their materials—wax, hair, glass eyes, and clothing—require specialized care. The reassembly process faced several challenges:

Fragility of Materials

Wax can crack or deform easily. Handling each piece required careful temperature control and gentle techniques to avoid further damage.

Missing or Damaged Parts

Some figures had broken limbs or missing accessories. The team had to recreate these parts accurately, matching the original style and materials.

Maintaining Authenticity

It was essential to preserve Don Baer’s artistic intent. This meant using traditional methods and materials wherever possible, avoiding modern shortcuts that could alter the figures’ appearance.

Historical Accuracy

The figures represent real people and cultural symbols. Research was necessary to ensure that restored elements reflected the correct details, such as clothing styles and facial features.

The Role of Preservation Arts

Preservation Arts brought expertise in conservation techniques that complemented Don Baer’s artistic skills. Their approach combined science and art:

Material Analysis

They examined the wax composition and other materials to determine the best restoration methods.

Environmental Controls

Preservation Arts set up controlled environments to stabilize the figures during restoration, preventing further deterioration.

Documentation

Every step of the restoration was documented with photographs and notes, creating a record for future care and study.

The Restoration Process Step by Step

The project followed a clear process to bring the Deaf wax figures back to life:

Assessment and Planning
The team inspected each figure, identifying damage and planning the restoration sequence.
Cleaning
Dirt and old varnish were carefully removed using gentle solvents and soft brushes.
Repairing Structural Damage
Broken parts were reattached using adhesives compatible with wax. Missing pieces were sculpted by hand, matching the original texture and color.
Surface Restoration
Cracks and surface imperfections were filled and smoothed. Paint and wax layers were carefully matched to blend repairs seamlessly.
Reattaching Hair and Accessories
Hair was reinserted strand by strand, and clothing or props were repaired or replaced with historically accurate materials.
Final Inspection and Preservation
The restored figures were inspected for stability and appearance. Protective coatings were applied to guard against future damage.

Impact on the Deaf Community and Art Preservation

This restoration project has a meaningful impact beyond the physical repair of wax figures. It strengthens the connection between art and Deaf culture, ensuring that these representations continue to educate and inspire.