Hugh Nini and Neal Treadwell's Collection of 3,000 Gay Couple Portraits Published in 'Loving'
5 Continents Editions has released 'Loving,' a book featuring nearly 3,000 vintage photographs of gay couples, curated over two decades by collectors Hugh Nini and Neal Treadwell. The project originated in Dallas when they discovered a 1920s image of two young men. Spanning from the mid-19th century to the 1950s, this 336-page volume is available in four languages and retails for €49 as of mid-October 2020. The title 'Loving' embodies a vibrant sense of affection, aiming to provide a hopeful perspective for parents of gay children. Notable images include the cover photo, a couple's sign from circa 1900, and a 1900 'selfie.' The collection exclusively features photos from before the 1960s.
Key facts
- Collection of nearly 3,000 vintage photographs of gay couples assembled by Hugh Nini and Neal Treadwell.
- Collection began 20 years ago with a 1920s photo found in a Dallas antique shop.
- Book titled 'Loving' published by 5 Continents Editions in four languages, mid-October 2020.
- Book has 336 pages, costs €49, ISBN 9788874399291.
- Photos span from mid-19th century to 1950s; earliest may be an 1840s ambrotype.
- Collectors chose title 'Loving' for its active, living sense.
- Hugh's favorite photo: page 89, a couple around 1900 holding sign 'Not married but we wish to be'.
- Neal's favorite: pages 210-211, a comfortable, carefree expression of love.
- Most important photo per Hugh: cover (page 86); per Neal: page 297, a selfie from around 1900.
- Collection limited to pre-1960s photos due to societal changes.
- Collectors initially did not see it as collecting, but as preservation.
- Interview conducted by Marco Enrico Giacomelli.
Entities
Artists
- Hugh Nini
- Neal Treadwell
- Marco Enrico Giacomelli
- Grey Villet
- Peter Allen
Institutions
- 5 Continents Editions
- Life
- Artribune
- Supreme Court of the United States
Locations
- Dallas
- Texas
- Virginia
- Washington DC
- Alabama
- Italy