Monday, October 6

Just My Type.

I think as much as we all love the convenience and speed of our blessed computers, there's still a great love for the beauty of those gritty, old typewriter keys. I mean, who doesn't have a little bit of fascination with those heavy, outdated, and yet somehow elegant typewriters? I used to have an old Royal in my entryway, and I'd keep a sheaf of paper in for friends to add a note to - kind of my own idea of a guest book. In a one of my de-cluttering fits, I sold it, but I think it's time to find a replacement! In the meantime, I rounded up some typewriter love.

Beautiful, vintage 1950's Royal Typewriter from Three Potato Four.

Vintage typewriter from the thequietlibrarian's photostream.

Mixed Media/Illustration from MichelleMaule.

"T is for Thank You" note cards from Uppercase.

Vintage Smith Corona electric typewriter
with carrying case Modish Vintage


*Top vintage image courtesy of Picnic by Elle.

18 comments:

Orange Pattern said...

These are just too friggin' cool. Great post.

Anonymous said...

What great nostalgia! I love the typewriter inspired finds, and the ad is just lovely. I have a 1950s brochure from Remington titled "How to Be a Super Secretary," which is full of amusing sexist comments.

I try to type of my 1930s Royal at least once a week, as I find it inspires more beautiful text than my plastic computer keyboard :)

Celestyna said...

i know a man who still types on a typewriter for work. real work. i love vintage machines! The cameras, the blenders, the projectors - so beautiful.

So Lovely said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
So Lovely said...

Was watching Mad Men last night. There was the greatest shot of a sashaying secretary, covering up her typewriter for the night. It reminded me that not so long ago, when there were only typewriters. At my 1st job I told them I was a wizz at typing (and I am not). I was using an IBM golf ball - it was a nightmare. The delete button was broken so had to use packs of "wite out" strips.
Also - remember the first word processors. Sort of hideous. Not like those gorgeous typewriters you posted.

Anonymous said...

What a great idea for a guestbook. I love typewriters, but never think to buy them because I have nothing to do with them. Now when I see one, I'm going to grab it!

Anonymous said...

I have a few of them. Here's a peek-a-boo:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sosylvie/182546167/in/set-72157594206125792/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sosylvie/182546165/in/set-72157594206125792/

Marcel just found a beauty. He'd been keeping his eye out. I'll put it on Flickr later today.

Do you want me to source one for you? Marcel paid $10 for his.

sfgirlbybay said...

We've come a long way, baby! ha!!

Thanks for sharing Sylvia - nice! I'm going to wait until I return from Thailand in in November - but thank you!

Anonymous said...

I love the idea of keeping one in the hall for guests to use! Victoria, you are too clever for your own good.

K in Strawberry

ps I have one of those letter charms made from a typewriter key-- another way to express the ol' typewriter love.

Lory said...

I love vintage finds!!! Ahhhh, the typewrite, those were the days......

Hugs,

Lory
www.thediaryofl.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Thanks for including my turquoise Royal Quiet Writer Deluxe in your post! I've having a whole week of typewriter-related posts over at UPPERCASE.

http://www.uppercasegallery.ca/uppercase-journal/category/typewriters

Biba said...

Great idea, i love the thought of having a vintage typewriter as a guest book! How totally cute and cool :)

/// said...

Fantastic post, dear Victoria!

i'm Carrie, lovely to meet you... said...

So creative miss Victoria with your typewriter guest book idea!!! How fantastic.

I am such a fan of old typewriters, I see them every so often at auctions or estate sales and am so tempted to buy them. I don't let myself for fear I would start myself on an all out collecting frenzy.

I wouldn't mind having that pink Royal tho, it's gorgeous!!

Julia said...

HURRAY! Another love :) Michelle Maule's print is so perfect in this set of typewriters!

Tyler and Lindsee said...

I love that entryway idea! You are so clever.

i'm Carrie, lovely to meet you... said...

k, I know you mentioned you'd be waiting until you get back from your trip but....
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15658289

sfgirlbybay said...

oh dear Carrie!! that is a beauty!! darn you!!! ;)