A NEW photography exhibition which challenges the Essex girl stereotype is due to open in Southend.

'This is what an Essex Girl looks like' has been developed by Southend Museums and the Essex Girls Liberation Front, and will be shown in the Fashion Gallery of the Beecroft Art Gallery, Victoria Avenue, from November 9.

The exhibition explores what it means to be an Essex girl and confronts negative stereotypes.

Portrait photography by esteemed photographer Tessa Hallman will be on show, and Elsa James, an artist and member of the Essex Girls Liberation Front, will also showcase one of her films as part of the exhibition.

Councillor Kevin Robinson, cabinet member for business, culture and tourism, said: “This exhibition will showcase women from Essex who have experienced this stereotyping and have chosen to push back.

"Every Essex woman has immeasurable value regardless of their accent, clothes, career, beliefs, choices, or where they came from.”

“I would encourage everyone to go along to the exhibition and be part of the ongoing conversation about how to combat stereotypes.”

For more information, visit www.southendmuseums.co.uk.