Tuesday, April 26, 2011

The End of Typewriters












Sad news in the world of typewriters.

I heard on NPR this morning that the last company to make typewriters is closing down. They only have about 200 typewriters left in stock.

I saw an ad for the amazon kindle this evening and it got me thinking about the progress of technology. I know a lot of book stores have been hurting quite a bit lately due to online book sales. Powell's Book, a local bookstore, recently let go of a number of employees. Record stores have been closing left and right the past couple of years due to the iPod and online music sales. It's so interesting how some of these things that were so common are slowly becoming obsolete.

Typewriters have been one of my favorite subjects to paint for a few years now. I love that these beautiful machines, are now totally obsolete. They have been overlooked and ignored for decades and I find that so interesting, because they use to be one of highest forms of technology.

It makes me wonder when, or if, computers will be outdated and what will replace them.

I hope that one day I'll be able to own my own collection of typewriters. I have two and that's a start! :)

11 comments:

Sleepandhersisters said...

I love your typewriter paintings, so sad.

Sadee Schilling said...

That IS so sad! One of my favorite memories of my mom is hearing her up late at night, pounding away on the typewriter.

I love your artwork--especially how you capture "retro" in a way that is contemporary and nostalgic at the same time. :)

nacherluver said...

That is very sad. Luckily I have three gorgeous antique typewriters!! Now I'm thinking I should have hung on to a few of my more "modern" ones.
Love your typewriter prints. Always.

Book stores struggling breaks my heart. I ADORE books! Some day I would like to own a little used book store simply so I can be surrounded by all the beauty and knowledge.

Perhaps I could display my typewriters!!!

tangled sky studio said...

remember the book store in "you've got mail" (with all the twinkle lights)? loved it and the fact that her boyfriend collected typewriters : ) the written word has never has two better friends than bookstores and typewriters.

Anonymous said...

Though I admit to being an Amazon Kindle owner I also have a love affair with typewriters. For my 30th birthday this year I purchased a 1950's Hermes typewriter which I use to type out postcards to send to family. I'm also a big record collector. Ha ha. Love the vintage.

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iam_artisan said...

Oh that's really sad to know... I was actually looking for a typewriter here in my city and sad to say, there are also no brand new ones for sale... it really made me sad...

Carrie said...

I bought a typewriter for £3.00 last week. I can't use it of course at the moment because I need to find a new ribbon, but some of us still love them and real books. Love your typewriter paintings.

Michele Maule said...

Love all these comments!

I'm sure you'll still be able to buy typewriters thanks to sites like eBay people will be able to buy typewriters for awhile.

Beth, I couldn't agree more! books + typewriters = perfect!

c.n. lovering said...

I just heard that same story on NPR and thought of your work. It was so sad to hear that they will soon be "extinct". Your typewriters are lovely!

ELK said...

i am happy that you paint typewriters .. so sorry to see them phase out for real ...