Deskinemia enthusiasts from Saarland: a nostalgic journey through time

Von Kl Redaktion

in Saarland, surrounded by a variety of ancient typewriters, you experience an unexpected revival of the texts that are realized by keyboard attacks. Jakob Kramp, 23 years old, sits on his 90 -year -old Olivetti ICO and gives up the keys under his fingers. "I bring it on paper, and Voilà! It also looks impressive," says the physics student from Wiltingen enthusiastically. It is not only the visible that attracts him, but also the audible experience of writing that accompanies him and his passion for these machines.

his cousin, Paul Hallmann, at the age of 24, shares this enthusiasm. "It's like a trip through the story with these typewriters," explains the student of the University of Gießen. Both have over 100 typewriters of different manufacturers in their possession, including well -known brands such as Adler and Remington. These old devices are not only there - they are restored, made them a connection to the past as a teenager and have developed into a hobby that they still combine.

The love of craft

The origin of her passion is clear: During her school days, the two younger ones were introduced to the typewriters by their grandmother and great aunt. In joint student council meetings at school, minutes and reports were written on these mechanical devices. This early experience has made their fascination for the world of typewriters. Today they run an antiques workshop in an old hayloft that is known as one of the few places in Germany where old typewriter can be repaired. This rarity has aroused interest in the area, especially people who own historical machines and seek their technical advice.

The local winemaker, who still exhibits receipts with his ancient typewriter, is one of the numerous customers who fall back on their services. The couple has also set up an online shop through which they sell their restored devices. As you prepare your machines, you gain deep knowledge of how these devices work, even if your first attempts often ended in unsuccessful repairs. Nevertheless, they remain persistent and find creative solutions to obtain spare parts that are sometimes difficult to find.

For Kramp and Hallmann, the restoration of these machines means more than just a hobby: it is a kind of return to the analog roots of writing. "We are typewriter enthusiasts, no purists," notes Kramp and illustrates that even though they appreciate the world of antiques, they still don't lose sight of the digital world.

The public interest in typewriters also seems to grow. In the Museum of Communication in Berlin, where Didczuneit acts as a collector, well -preserved typewriters are donated. Many donations are associated with personal stories that underline the valuable importance of these devices. "At a time when digital communication is common, typewriters gain a new relevance as nostalgic objects and conversation," emphasizes Didczuneit.

a creative trip to Italy

Hallmann plans to take his typewriter with me during his semester abroad in Bologna to write letters to his family. "I would probably take the Olivetti ICO with me," he says with a slightly mischievous smile. This preference for beautiful and craftsmanship makes writing a special experience that is often lost in the digital world.

The aesthetics of the restored machines, often in black piano lacquer, not only makes them ideal for practical use, but they are also jewelry that tell stories. In their workshop in the old hayloft, Kramp and Hallmann not only create a place where old devices are revived, but also create a connection between past and current writing art.

nostalgier trip into the past

typewriters are no longer what they were once, but for many they are a symbol of a time when the written word appreciation and creativity meant. The claim that these devices are one of the last bastions against the flooding of the digital world is not unfounded. When Kramp presses the buttons, he creates something unique that goes beyond mere writing. It is a tribute to the craft and a format of communication, which, although outdated, has no less meaning.

Background information on typewriters

typewriters have a fascinating story that goes back to the 18th century. The first patented typewriter was designed by Henry Mill in England in 1714, but the first functional typewriter that was also used in practice did not realize until the end of the 19th century. The best -known models came from manufacturers such as Remington, Underwood and Olivetti, which were produced in the first half of the 20th century and were widespread in offices and households. These mechanical devices revolutionized the way people wrote and communicated.

Culturally, typewriters had a significant influence on society, especially in the professional environment. They enabled faster and clearer documentation, which was of crucial importance for the office tub at the time. With the introduction of the electronic typewriter in the 1960s and later computer technology in the 1980s, their decline began. Nevertheless, the font and the haptic experience of typewriters for many remains.

Current statistics to use typewriters underline the recurring interest in these devices. According to a survey in 2022, carried out by the International Federation of Typewriter Collectors, around 47% of those surveyed identify as active collectors or users of typewriters. The study also shows that the average age of typewriter enthusiasts is between 25 and 40 years. This indicates that younger generations are increasingly interested in the historical and cultural importance of these devices.

Another trend that has been observed is the use of typewriters for creative writing workshops and events. More and more places are offering typewriter sessions to promote creative writing and offer the participants a unique, analog experience. An example of this is the typewriter workshop in Berlin, where enthusiasts learn how to deal with these machines and at the same time immerse themselves in the writing tradition.