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Women's selfies sought for giant Face of Suffrage artwork

LSE Women's Library A Woman's Social and Political Union (WSPU) office in 1913LSE Women's Library
Photos depicting the suffrage movement from LSE Woman's Library will be shown at Birmingham Hippodrome from 16 October

Photos of thousands of girls and women are to form a giant mosaic of a suffragette to mark 100 years since the first British women won the vote.

Artist Helen Marshall called for selfies and photos of women in people's lives "you wish to celebrate" for the Face of Suffrage project.

"It's not just about brave and daring stories," she said. "It's really about taking part and being visible."

The art will be displayed at Birmingham New Street Station from 15 November.

More than 3,000 photos are expected to be used in the 20m (66ft) tall work revealing the identity of an "inspiring" suffragette from the West Midlands.

Some women voted in a general election for the first time on 14 December 1918.

Women across the region can take part via "pop-up" photo events or anyone can contribute online at the project's website and by social media.

LSE Women's Library Christabel Pankhurst in 1909 (left) and the procession of the 'citizen P]pageant' in 1911LSE Women's Library
The 1918 Representation of the People Act gave women the vote - but only those over 30 years old who owned property
LSE Women's Library Meeting of leaders in the Women's Social and Political Union in about 1906LSE Women's Library
A meeting of Women's Social and Political Union leaders in about 1906

Ms Marshall, whose work has included creating a mosaic of a fallen World War One soldier, said the project would also tell women's stories but they did not need to be heroic ones.

"It could be just about love, or something everyday," she said.

Ms Marshall wanted to help mark the century of suffragettes' voices being "finally heard".

The artwork also marked a new chapter in her life as a mother and an artist, she said.

"This has felt personal as a woman, as a single parent bringing up a child and because I am doing what I want by being an artist," she said.

"I think it is difficult for women in the art world as it is in some other sectors."

The Arts Council England-backed project brings together amateur and professional photos.