Celebrating hidden tales of love from across the globe
First exhibited in Geneva, Switzerland, the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery is now set to welcome the international touring exhibition LOVING this month in partnership with the Delegation of the European Union to Australia.
When Hugh Nini and Neal Treadwell discovered an old photograph of two men in love at an antique store in Dallas, Texas, 25 years ago, they had no idea how profoundly it would change their lives – and illuminate a hidden history.
That single image sparked a global journey, taking them across the United States, Canada, Europe, the UK, Australia and Asia in search of photographs capturing men in love.
Guided by what they call “the unmistakable look” of love, Nini and Treadwell searched flea markets, auction houses, family albums and online collections. Over time, they assembled more than 4,000 images of male couples taken between the 1850s and 1950s – quiet, tender portraits of connection that defied convention and were often kept hidden.
Captured at a time when same-sex relationships were often criminalised or socially condemned, LOVING brings long-hidden stories into the light through hundreds of rare and intimate photographs dating from the 1850s to the 1950s.
In 2020, their ground breaking book LOVING: A Photographic History of Men in Love, 1850s–1950s brought hundreds of these photographs to public view, revealing the depth and universality of love across generations. “For the first time,” Nini reflected, “these people, these couples, get to speak for themselves.”
The exhibition also invites reflection on the fight for equality and freedom by drawing on the histories and values shared by the EU and Australia.
Through LOVING, the EU and Australia reaffirm their shared commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights. By preserving and presenting these histories, both acknowledge the importance of remembering the past to inform a more inclusive future.
Ambassador of the European Union to Australia Gabriele Visentin said LOVING is a universal message, as love knows no boundaries or borders.
"These photographs capture moments of tenderness between men that could not be shown publicly, yet their message is loud and clear: happiness and love are possible, even in times of silence and fear. And with this exhibition, we honour their courage."
City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said the exhibition was an incredible display of resilience and strength.
"To welcome this exhibition to Launceston - in partnership with the Delegation of the European Union to Australia - is a wonderful thing for our City," Mayor Garwood said.
"I'd encourage our community and visitors exploring Launnie to take a trip to the Art Gallery to discover this show while it's on display - it will be well worth the trip."
QVMAG Director Jonathan McBurnie said the exhibition would be a fantastic addition to the Art Gallery's Winter/Spring program.
"Welcoming touring shows from across Australia and the globe takes a lot of planning, coordination and preparation," McBurnie said.
"Working with the EU Delegation to bring this show to Tasmania has been a fantastic experience and one that we're both extremely passionate about.
"Our team work hard each year to deliver a diverse line up of collection-based and touring shows for our audiences, and we can't wait to welcome our visitors from across Tasmania, the nation and the globe to this phenomenal display."
LOVING is on display at the Art Gallery at Royal Park (2 Wellington Street, Launceston) from 22 August with free entry.
Issued Tuesday 18 August 2026.