Paper short abstract:

Labelled unsightly litter or hazardous vandalism, love-locks have been routinely removed from many of the world's bridges. Their stories do not end there though. In many cases, these tokens of love are often either reunited with their depositors or creatively recycled into works of art.

Paper long abstract:

Love-locks are padlocks that have been inscribed with names and initials, and surrendered to bridges and other public structures worldwide. This is a twenty-first-century ritual typically conducted by couples as a statement of romantic commitment; the love-lock is locked in place and the key consigned to the water below. The padlock is thus recycled as both love token and ritual deposit, embodying the sentiments and ceremony of a moment shared on a bridge. 'As long as this is locked, so will our hearts', declared one inscription. But most love-locks do not remain locked.

Labelled unsightly litter or hazardous vandalism, love-locks have been routinely removed from many of the world's bridges by local authorities. Their stories do not end there though. In many cases, efforts are made to reunite these tokens of love with the lovers who originally deposited them. The fact that many people are eager to reclaim their love-locks demonstrates a retained link between depositor and deposit. In other cases, however, local authorities commission artists to creatively recycle these love tokens. Sculptures are crafted from the love-lock unlocked, with proceeds going to philanthropic use. With a focus on Melbourne, Australia, this paper explores the notions of heritage 'value' behind this process of creative regeneration.