Image copyright Epping Forest District Museum Dame Helen Mirren has stepped up to help an exhibition dispel the negative stereotype of “Essex girls” and their white stilettos.
A pair of her high-heeled teal blue shoes will feature alongside a display showcasing female social reformers, suffragettes and law enforcers from Essex.
The Southend-raised actress said she was “delighted” to donate her footwear.
The Snapping the Stiletto exhibition is on show at Epping Forest Museum.
Alongside the TV and film star’s strappy sandals are a pair of Penny Lancaster’s heels, and BBC presenter Kate Silverton’s shoes worn for the Rumba in Strictly Come Dancing.
The Snapping the Stiletto project aims to challenge the tired cliché of the “Essex girl” by uncovering the tales of females who blazed a trail through the county decades ago.
About 150 volunteers have helped museum staff research and write the stories showing how women’s roles and opportunities have changed in the county and highlighting the lives and achievements of Essex women since gaining the right to vote in 1918.
- Snapping the Stiletto: Reimagining the ‘Essex girl’ cliché
- What is the true meaning of ‘Essex girl’?
The core exhibition will travel to five other museums, each of which will put their own stamp on the subject.
At Epping Forest District Museum, a selection of shoes from Essex women will be on display alongside a banner quoting Marilyn Monroe, who is widely-reported as saying: “Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world.”
Museum assistant Natalie Cole contacted a number of women with Essex connections, including Helen Mirren, who put her best foot forward with her towering teal heels.
“She got back to us and said she’d be delighted to help,” Miss Cole said.
Also on show for footwear fans are trainers donated by athlete Sally Gunnell and swimmer Emma Hollis.
Snapping the Stiletto opens at Epping Forest District Museum on 12 January
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