Over the years, almost 20,000 padlocks have been attached to the Evan Walker Bridge in Southbank by members of the public as a gesture of devotion to a loved one.
This romantic tradition recently came to an end due to safety concerns and structural damage caused by the additional weight of so many locks.
The City of Melbourne recognised the important sentimental value of the Southbank footbridge Love Locks, and in partnership with Craft Victoria, commissioned five local artists transform them into everlasting works of art and jewellery.
Artists Dr Anton Hasell, Dr Louiseann King, Elise Sheehan, Kirsty Macafee, Katheryn Leopoldseder have explored themes of memory, devotion, love and loss to commemorate our city and the people who claimed Love Locks for private ritual.
You can view these artworks at the Love Locks Exhibition at the Melbourne Town Hall from Monday 8 August to Saturday 20 August. You can also purchase tickets to enter the Love Locks Lottery for your chance to take home one of these unique pieces of art. All proceeds from the lottery will be donated to Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation.
For more information and to buy tickets for the lottery, please visit www.craft.org.au/love-locks-lottery