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 1850 and 1950 — quiet, tender portraits of connection that defied convention and were often kept hidden.

In 2020, their groundbreaking 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.” Three years later, the collection was exhibited for the first time at the Musée Rath in Geneva.

Now, for the first time in Australia, Canberra Museum + Gallery co-presents this remarkable exhibition with the Delegation of the European Union in Australia. Loving brings to light the lives and stories of male couples from around the world — giving voice to their courage, intimacy and enduring love.