An art gallery owner is lining up a controversial exhibition charting the changing face of feminism - women must pay to see it although it is free to men.

Artist George Harrison, 58, said he will face any controversy the exhibition causes if it opens up a positive debate on the changing face of women.

The Rise and Fall of Feminism exhibition, at the Central Gallery, in Deptford Terrace, Sunderland, includes photographs, sculptures and paintings showing women through the ages.

Admission is free for male visitors but women must make a donation to breast cancer research.

Mr Harrison said: ''It goes from the days of bra-burning through to the pint-guzzling women of the new millennium.

''I don't profess to be an expert on feminism, I just see how they interact in society.

''You see women out on a Friday night going around in gangs with their midriffs showing.

"The exhibition is asking the question 'has the feminist movement taken the feminism out of women?'

"What happened to the Sophia Lorens and Audrey Hepburns of the world? I believe the ideal people to ask these questions are men.

"By asking only men I think it will help them to understand the exhibition more and concentrate more on the exhibits.''

The exhibition, which runs from October 26, will feature work by Mr Harrison, a number of local artists and specially commissioned exhibits.