Image credit: Edward and his chum not dated, photograph. Nini-Treadwell Collection.

Loving draws from an extraordinary private archive of more than 4,000 photographs of men in love, assembled over two decades by partners and collectors Hugh Nini and Neal Treadwell.  

Consisting of images sourced from flea markets, auction houses, family albums and online archives worldwide, the project began with a chance discovery in an antique store in Dallas, Texas: a photograph of two men in love. That single image sparked a global search, taking Nini and Treadwell across the United States, Canada, Europe, the UK, Asia and Australia 

Guided by what they describe as ‘the unmistakable look’ of love, Nini and Treadwell have since amassed thousands of images of male couples dating from the 1850s to the 1950s. These quiet, tender portraits of connection defied convention and were often kept hidden. This collection brings to light the lives and stories of male couples from around the world, giving voice to their courage, intimacy and enduring love. 

HOTA is proud to co-present this remarkable exhibition with the Delegation of the European Union to Australia in this Queensland exclusive.