Designed by Ettore Sottsass with the British designer Perry King, the legendary portable Olivetti Valentine typewriter is one of the most famous examples of 1960s Italian design and signifies a time when Olivetti were leading the way in industrial design. It was the pre-digital precursor to Apple in it’s consideration of both style and mobility.

It was described at the time as an “anti-machine machine” to be used “anywhere but the office” and so this iconic typewriter makes a suitable choice for Alex’s bedroom in A Clockwork Orange (1971). It also makes an appearance in Les Témoins (The Witnesses) and in 1970 Richard Burton was papped arriving at Heathrow airport with a customised Valentine portable typewriter on one arm and his wife Elizabeth Taylor on the other. As Icon magazine puts it: “Glossy, sexy and desirable, it was the it-bag of its day”.

The iconic typewriter is still in demand among collectors, lovers of all things analogue and is included in most museums with a design collection (eg. MOMA in New York and the Design Museum in London).

The Valentine was available in white, green and blue, but its most famous and memorable is red – the colour of passion. Coupled with the fact it was originally marketed as a loyal, devoted companion, this characterful object is probably the most suitable gift we can think of to give your Valentine.

So, where can I buy one?

As luck would have it, there are several dealers who have them available to buy via Etsy at the moment and most ship worldwide:

HKItypewriters have one for $318.24 (approx £220):

TheLittleIrishShop also has an original 1969 model for $437 (approx £303):

Try also Retrospective Vintage who have one for $511.57 (approx £354):

Click on the shop name above to be taken to the relevant link to buy.

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