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Portrait of university's first female leader unveiled

David Oates/UoM Dame Nancy Rothwell removes the cover of her portrait at an unveiling ceremony at the Whitworth in ManchesterDavid Oates/UoM
The portrait of Dame Nancy has been placed at Whitworth Art Gallery

A portrait of a British neuroscientist who became a university's first female vice chancellor and president has been unveiled.

Prof Dame Nancy Rothwell has been in the role at the University of Manchester since 2010.

The artwork, captured by acclaimed Dutch portrait photographer Dr Carla van de Puttelaar, has gone on display at the Whitworth Art Gallery.

Dame Nancy is set to step down in July and be replaced by political philosophy professor Duncan Ivison.

David Oates/UoM Photographer Dr Carla van de Puttelaar, smiling with greying hair and wearing a blue and black floral jacket, and Prof Dame Nancy Rothwell, smiling with grey hair and wearing a pink-trimmed purple jacket and skirt, stand in front of a portrait of Dame Nancy wearing her purple and silver ceremonial robesDavid Oates/UoM
Dame Nancy is set to step down from the role in July

The portrait was created by Ms van de Puttelaar, who specialises in female subjects, from photographs shot against a black background using only natural light.

Dame Nancy said she "really wanted to have a different kind of portrait, not another oil painting".

"Her professionalism and energy made this very interesting and fun for us both I hope people will like the final result as much as I do," she added.

The academic is acclaimed for her work further the study of brain injuries and strokes.

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