Women Like You

6 March - 9 May 2010 Manchester Art Gallery Free entry

In celebration of International Women's Day 2010 (8 March), Manchester Art Gallery is exhibiting a specially commissioned portrait of Manchester-born Suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst.

The unique photo mosaic portrait, created by artist Charlotte Newson, is made up of hundreds of photographs of inspirational women, donated by people from Manchester and all over the world. The images have been gathered by the artist over the past 12 months.  They include women from the past and women from today who have made a lasting impact on the life of an individual.  Pictures are of mothers, grandmothers, daughters, aunts, friends, mentors and colleagues, including some well known faces.

The original photo mosaic artwork is the first contemporary public artwork celebrating women in Manchester and can be seen on billboards and bus-stop poster sites around the city for International Women's Day. It is also on display at Manchester Art Gallery from 6 March to 9 May.

Councillor Val Stevens, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council said: "This project has given all of us the chance to think about women who have inspired us. We wanted to celebrate and recognise the positive aspects of women and their contribution to society And it's not just about women; men have contributed photos of women that have made an impact in their life as well."

Councillor Sue Murphy, Lead member for Women's issues at Manchester City Council said: "Women, by their very nature, are strong characters and Manchester is full of strong and motivating women. This new artwork is a celebration of the lives of these ordinary women who in their own way are doing extraordinary things every day."

The Women Like You project and exhibition has been commissioned by Manchester City Council in partnership with the Pankhurst Centre in celebration of International Women's Day.