The new Pagan star of the Museum of Science and Industry's Genius show in Manchester. Image: Vicky Johnson-Brown
A gothic witch from Lancashire will star in a major Museum of Science and Industry exhibition on the work of Leonardo da Vinci after prevailing in a three-month search for the Manchester Mona Lisa.
The museum's Da Vinci – The Genius show launched a competition in April to find a Mancunian answer to the largest current European exhibition on the legendary artist, which features revealing insights into his 15th century processes.
Chorlton imposter Carol Hodge beat a 20-strong shortlist of men, women, dogs and photoshop curiosities to triumph in the online poll, posing against a smouldering backdrop with her faced caked in thick white make-up and black eyeliner, topped with a spiralling black hat.
"I want to say thank you to all the people who took the time to vote for me," she said.
"I'm particularly pleased with the portrait, which is in no small part due to the photographer, Vicky Johnson-Brown.
"We took the photo during a gothic fashion shoot – I think there is definitely something slightly ethereal and timeless about it."
Exhibition runs until September 12 2010. Admission £7.50/£5 (family ticket £20), call 0844 847 2261 or buy online.
