Happy Birthday George Washington! This framed wax bust of Washington was created by Patience Lovell Wright (1725-1786). Wright was widowed in 1769 and needed a way to support her children. With her sister, also a widow, she set up a business creating wax portraits. In 1783 Wright wrote to John Jay of her intention to execute wax busts of not just Washington, but the other Founders as well: “I wish for nothing more than to finish the portraits in wax busts of all you worthy heros that have done honour to themselves and their Country by their Wisdom, their Valour, and good Council.”