Writing in Wiltingen: Two young men enliven the art of the typewriter

Writing in Wiltingen: Two young men enliven the art of the typewriter

In the small town of Wiltingen an der Saar, two young men, Jakob Kramp and Paul Hallmanns, have developed an unconventional passion that leads them deep into the past. This enthusiasm does not apply to modern technical devices, but old typewriters that live in today's digital world a rather nostalgic existence. In a cozy room full of plastic -free antiques and shimmering metal surfaces, Jakob Kramp operates his 90 -year -old Olivetti ICO. The background noise of these mechanical miracles is not only part of their charm, but also the reason why the two find recognition all over Germany as enthusiastic collectors and restorers.

Paul Hallmanns, the head of the typewriter workshop, which opened the two in a converted hayloft five years ago, speaks with obvious pride of their collection. "We have over 100 typewriters here," he says. Her fascination began when she discovered her grandmother and great aunt's writing instruments as children. These memories are still alive, and the two experience it as enriching and exciting to travel through the history of typewriters. She captivated the combination of nostalgic flair, mechanical sounds and cast iron aesthetics.

The fascination for the mechanics

The sound of the buttons, the clack when writing and whirring the roller that jumps back are not only noise for Jakob and Paul; It is music in her ears. "You punch your thoughts on the paper, and there is nothing between you and the paper," says Jakob, who also developed a technical understanding of the devices through his physical studies in Aachen. Even if it may seem strange for some to write down your shopping lists on a typewriter, it is a kind of deceleration for him. "It is something calming to write by hand instead of just typing on a keyboard," he explains.

"There are hardly any places in Germany where typewriters can be repaired," adds Paul, the life of the young duo is not only shaped by passion, but also by the need to give the fading tradition new impetus. However, there is still a loyal support for users who appreciate the often emotional values of their typewriter. So customers come by again and again in little Wilting, including a winemaker who still taps his bills on the typewriter.

the revival of a craft

In a small studio, Jakob and Paul not only work on the repair, but also on the sale of functioning machines that have lovingly restored them. Your customers range from passionate collectors to new people who want to discover the craft of the writers of past times. "Most are enthusiastic and often have stories about the old machines they tell us," says Hallmanns. Funny that you have even sold a machine to America!

The manual skill and the expertise in the repair of typewriters have learned the two themselves over the years. Initially, they also failed on many devices, but through experience and joy of experimentation, they have now acquired an immense competence in this special area. However, it is not everything pink: the search for spare parts is often a challenge, since only a few properties or factories still produce such parts.

typewriters have more than just a nostalgic value. Veit Didczuneit, head of the collections in the Museum für Kommunikation Berlin, describes it as "positive". The people who donate their old machines often come with beautiful little stories, and so they collect a piece of history. The machines not only adorn offices, but also stand as a charming decoration in many living rooms.

a piece of history in everyday life

Paul, who will soon be a semester abroad in Bologna, plans to take his Olivetti ICO with them as a constant companion. "It doesn't work without a typewriter," he says with a smile. His words reflect the close connection to these mechanical devices, which are more than just writing tools for him - they are memorabilia and symbols of a time when the written was still handcrafted.

The cultural meaning of typewriters

In the course of history, the typewriter not only revolutionized the way texts are created, but also exerted a cultural influence that goes far beyond its technical function. It became a symbol of creativity and individuality, especially during the literary movements of the 20th century. Authors like Ernest Hemingway and Agatha Christie estimated the typewriter as a tool of creativity and creativity.

With the advent of the computer in the late 20th century, the typewriter experienced a decline in use. Nevertheless, it remains an important symbol of the past for many people. Today, typewriters experience a kind of revival, especially among artists and writers who appreciate the analog writing process and the associated feel. Kramp and Hallmanns contribute to this revival by breathing new life into the old technology and put them in a modern context.

role of typewriters in education

In the schools of past decades, the typewriter played a central role in the training of young people. She helped develop writing skills and promoted communication. At a time when computers were not widespread, typewriters were often the only available tool for writing essays, letters or protocols. Kramp and Hallmanns also had this experience when they taped protocols on the typewriter in the student representative.

Today the typewriter is rarely used in the education system because digital devices dominate. Nevertheless, there are initiatives that revive the use of typewriters in workshops for creative writing promotion. These events should help the participants to recognize the value of physical writing - a technique that is often forgotten in a digitized world. Exercises with typewriters promote the writers to be careful and help to increase the creative flow.