Writing in Retro
The resurgence of typewriters
Hey there! Happy Sunny Monday from Wales.
How was your weekend? I hope you relaxed with ease. What did you get up to? Did you watch anything cool on the TV? A movie? A Netflix series? Or did you stay well away from the television and dive into a memoir or gripping novel?
I managed both, I read a great book and watched an epic movie!
I finished reading “The List of Suspicious Things” in time for
bookclub this Tuesday evening. Sam will be interviewing the author Jennie Godfrey, who I’ve had the pleasure in meeting, and I must say, she is rather lovely, witty and a very talented writer.Then last night, randomly, I watched a film called California Typewriter and within seconds of watching it, I fell back in love with the typewriter, all over again. I’ve always wanted a working typewriter, but nothing has ever caught my eye, they tend to look beautiful but the keys don’t work, or they are in perfect working order but not quite the colour I’m looking for.
I’ve always thought that the classic old typewriter is something quite extraordinary, with its clacking keys and distinctive sound, it’s like a time machine, transporting us back to a bygone era when the written word hello a special magic.
I was amazed and curious to why “California Typewriter” featured notable personalities such as actor Tom Hanks, singer-songwriter John Mayer and actor/author/playwright Sam Shepard. Now I know, they are all massive fans of the typewriter, and on another level!
The film delves into the enduring appeal of typewriters and the deep connection that many individuals, including myself and Mr Hanks, feel towards them. But why do people like us love these old machines in a world dominated by sleek, digital devices? Apparently Tom has over 200 typewriters in his collection. Awww can the man do no wrong?? Obviously not in my eyes, I’ve secretly had a crush on Mr Tom Hanks for decades, he won me over in “Sleepless in Seattle”, and “You’ve Got Mail” and in “When Harry Met Sally”!
So, for those of you who love typewriters, I truly believe it has something to do with the nostalgia that a typewriter evokes. It reminds me personally of a simpler time before the constant distractions of smartphones and iPads. I’ve never owned a classic typewriter but when I came across one, I really loved the tactile experience of pressing down on the keys, a kind of resistance beneath my fingers as I tried to compose my thoughts.
I’m not sure I could journal on a typewriter though.
Could you?
But that might change. As I’m on the look out for my very own typewriter. A 50th birthday present to myself. So, if you’re a typewriter lover or collector, is there a specific typewriter make and model you’d recommend I look at?
Whatever the reason for my new found love for a classic typewriter, there is something undeniably magical about it, a charm that transcends its practical function as a trustworthy writing tool. This weekend, I also followed a blogger over on Instagram called @typewritertraveler and he takes his typewriter all over the world, documenting his love for typewriters, journaling, traveling and food. What an adventure. What a story!
If you’re familiar with my Substack, you’ll know I ramble on, highlight the joy about the simple things in life, how we should strive to live a life ‘with ease’, take a slower pace and be more present in the moment. I think this is why I’m so mesmerised by the typewriter, as it offers a respite, it actually makes one slow down and savour the act of creative writing.
I hope my rekindled love for the typewriter lasts a lifetime. Whether it’s for nostalgia, practicality or simply the joy of the written word, I dearly hope the typewriter continues to captivate me. Please let me know if you prefer to use a typewriter or if you’ve watched “California Typewriter”. I’m off to do some typewriter research, so please don’t be shy, share your typewriter stories with me.
Until the next time
Take care and stay safe xx
I would love one too! I can’t decide if I’d love a really vintage one or a slightly more modern one like the one on the poster. The historian in me wants the old, old one. I’m sad because I remember my grandfather had one but it disappeared after he died. I used to sit at that typewriter and play with the keys. I loved pressing multiple keys and watching all the letters getting stuck. I remember it so vividly and I must have only been 9 maybe.
We have one! My husband did the research and picked it up in mint condition on Facebook market place. Suzy Walker also know a lot about them and sells them on in a local vintage stall in Alnwick. ✨✨