So long, locks of love
Learn more about the book "Marcel's Letters" and the font P22 Marcel Script, which is based on the handwriting of conscripted WWII laborer Marcel Heuzé
Paris, Locks of Love, Carolyn Porter, 2012, Passerelle de Solférino
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June 1, 2015 In Love, Paris, Photography

So long, locks of love

Starting tomorrow, officials are going to begin the process of cutting the “locks of love” off the bridges in Paris. The first locks began appearing in 2006 or so, and the practice got into full swing in 2012 (which is the year I took the photos, above). There are now so many locks on these bridges the sheer weight has become a safety hazard. Apparently the combined weight of the locks on one of the pedestrian bridges is the equivalent of 20 elephants — a weight the bridge was not built to hold.

Why locks? Couples write their names on the locks, attach it to the bridge, and throw the key into the river below as a symbolic way to show their love is forever. It’s a romantic gesture, and Paris is known for being a city of love. I get it. But, now that it’s been deemed a safety hazard, they need to go. I just hope they can recycle the metal.

Photos: Passerelle de Solférino, Paris, 2012

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