The lives of Bolton women showcased at Manchester International Festival

The book 100 Women, 100 Stories are included in eye-catching artwork Big Ben Lying Down With Political Books which was unveiled in Piccadilly Gardens on July 2.

The 42m sculpture of London’s landmark clocktower by Argentine artist Marta Minujin will lie almost horizontally and covered in 20,000 copies of 150 books which have shaped British politics.

Among these books, which reflect Manchester’s unique and independent spirit and are designed to spark a fresh conversation, is 100 Women, 100 Stories. This was created by Bolton-based award-winning entrepreneur Gulnaz Brennan.

She annually organizes the SheInspires Awards to highlight inspirational women. And in 2018 she interviewed 100 women from across the region about their lives to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of women gaining the vote.

The women, who included a large number from the Bolton area, ranged from social campaigners and charity workers to cultural icons and political activists and formed an important chronicle of feminine influence.

They included charity bosses like Maura Jackson from BACKUP North West and Gill Smallwood from Fortalice to successful businesswomen like Suzy Orr from Unique Ladies’ Networking.

The book was nominated for inclusion in the MIF21 event by a Manchester charity. A delighted Gulnaz Brennan commented: “It is a special honour to see the book not only as part of such a pivotal event at the Festival but also alongside so many books that have influenced politics in this country.

“The women I interviewed have made a difference to lives across the region and continue to do that, so the book’s inclusion honours them and their work.”

Big Ben Lying Down With Political Books will be free to visit but ticketed and available until July 18. At the end of the Festival there will be a ceremony in which the sculpture will be taken apart and people can take home a free book.

• To find out more about Manchester International Festival go to mif.co.uk