the City of Melbourne in partnership with Craft Victoria

Commissioned artists transformed padlocks removed from the Southbank Footbridge into everlasting works of art and jewellery.

Almost 20,000 love locks had been attached to the Evan Walker Bridge in Southbank by members of the public as acts of devotion to a loved one and, as such, have enormous sentimental value. Their removal was necessary due to safety concerns and damage to the bridge, which was never intended to carry so much added weight.

Five artworks were made from Melbourne’s Love Locks – displayed at the City Gallery in August 2016. This included an extensive catalogue with 4 commissioned writers and photography by Christopher Sanders and a limited edition memento by artists Louiseann Zahra King and Kristian King

Four works were included in a lottery that raised money for charity, and  the fifth, ‘Always and Forever’, created by artist Dr Louiseann King, was selected as a permanent piece for City of Melbourne’s collection.

Artists ​

1. ​Dr Anton Hasell (sculptor and bell designer)

2. Dr Louiseann King (artist), Daylesford

3. Katheryn Leopoldseder (jeweller and artist)

4. Kirsty Macafee (artist and photographer)

5. Elise Sheehan (jeweller and artist)