Toronto Typewriters, led by Chris Edmondson. CTV
In a world run by emails and social media, typewriters have found new life in Toronto. Toronto Typewriters, a small shop run by Chris Edmondson, has seen demand soar over the past decade.
“When we first started, we were happy to sell one every couple weeks,” Edmondson said. “Now, in a week, we probably sell five to 10.”
Once seen as outdated junk, typewriters are now treasures. Prices start at a few hundred dollars and can reach several thousand. Some even rent to film and TV shows, including one identical to the machine in The Shining.
Why People Love Them
For Edmondson, the magic lies in focus.
“There’s no distraction, like with a computer. It’s just you and the machine,” he explained. Many also enjoy the familiar sound of the keys. “The click clack and the bell resonate with people,” he said.
Even celebrities influence the trend. Taylor Swift used a vintage Royal 10 in a music video, sparking interest among younger buyers. Parents also pick them up for children as young as five. They see typewriters as a way to keep kids away from tablets and encourage real writing.
Collectors Keep the Legacy Alive
The revival extends beyond Edmondson’s shop. Toronto collector Martin Howard owns the largest private collection in Canada. He began collecting 37 years ago and now owns 75 machines. His oldest, a Remington Perfected 4, dates back to 1879.
“They’re all different styles from the 1880s and 1890s. You get an incredible range of brilliant mechanical objects,” Howard said.
Howard bought his first machine at a junk shop in Aurora, Ont. It was a Caligraph 2 from 1886, designed with separate keys for uppercase and lowercase letters instead of a shift key.
A Growing Movement
Interest began climbing around 2012 but surged during the pandemic. With more time at home, people looked for creative outlets, and portable typewriters became a popular choice.
Actor Tom Hanks, one of the world’s most famous typewriter fans, owns hundreds and often speaks about his love for them. The global return of analog technology, from vinyl records to film cameras, has also helped typewriters regain charm.
Howard welcomes the new wave of attention, even if sparked by celebrities. “It makes it hip is what it does. Makes it really hip,” he said with a smile.
