About

Hello, I am Tom, owner of The Write Typer. The Write Typer, based in Bristol, UK, has been servicing, refurbishing and repairing typewriters since early 2020. It is a one-person operation, centred on attention to detail, in-depth knowledge of typewriters, and excellent customer service. I have worked on a wide range of typewriters from many companies, including Olympia, Olivetti, (Smith) Corona, Imperial, Hermes, Erika, Adler, Continental, Rheinmetall and others.

I started using a typewriter in 2020 when I wanted to write away from the internet and the lit-up screen of my computer. I quickly found typing on a typewriter helpful in keeping distractions at bay and creating legible copy (my handwriting leaves much to be desired). Then something happened that I had not anticipated: I grew increasingly intrigued in the aesthetics and history of these great machines. Each one that came into my hands felt like a small discovery of yesteryear, not unlike the unearthing of strange, old objects in your grandparent's home. Except, unlike many disused house or office appliances, they still worked. Or, almost worked...

As my interest in the aesthetics of typewriters grew, so did my curiosity about their internal mechanics. I found myself taking them apart, not only to freshen them up with a good clean, but also to see how they worked - disassembling, adjusting and reassembling all sorts of models to get them up to operational speed. I have many in the international typewriter community, including the dwindling number of professionally-trained typewriter technicians, to thank for sharing their knowledge and advice as I learned.

And so, opening The Write Typer occurred organically. An admiration of typewriter design and an enjoyment of disassembling and fixing them encountered a demand from writers and collectors searching for working typewriters. 

Since opening the The Write Typer in the UK, I have shipped typewriters and typewriter parts from Alaska to Australia and many places in between. Whether it has been to a customer 5 or 5,000 miles away, each journey has been made safely, thanks to careful and conscientious packing.

I have also received typewriters from UK residents (some in my own neighbourhood!) looking for a competent repairperson to get their typewriters working properly and looking beautiful.

Some of the typewriters offered in the shop I have regularly used, while others have been thoroughly tested after their service and are ready for writing. Regardless, all typewriters are disassembled and chemically deep-cleaned. Corrosion is removed or treated, crumbling rubber parts are replaced, and hard platens are professionally recovered. Parts are adjusted, tested, and adjusted again. Paintwork and chrome is polished to a mirror finish, and wax is applied. Once buffed to a shine, typewriters are given a series of final tests so that upon arrival they are ready to write.

As such, The Write Typer offers typewriters that are both pleasing to the eye and responsive to the fingers; that is, they don't just look good - they work. 

Thank you for visiting The Write Typer. I hope you find the typewriter you are looking for and enjoy using and preserving these worthy machines.

- Tom