Coming back to the Clarke Foley Community Hub in Ilkley on Saturday October 19th 2024 is an unusual exhibition designed to appeal to all those with an interest in the pre-digital age.
Billed as “An interactive celebration of the marvellous machines that changed the world” it will be a display of over 80 typewriters from the 1920’s to the 1980’s.
The organiser Lesley Ayres said:
“This is the third year running for this event and this year we have even more unusual models on display and a wider range of typewriters for people to try out for themselves”.
This free event from 10am to 4pm will feature every kind of typewriter imaginable - large, small, office to ultraportable, black to every colour of the rainbow.
There will be a large number of working machines for everyone to try out - type some poetry, prose, a letter or even a shopping list. You are encouraged to bring your own typewriter to join the type-in.
Various typewriters can also be seen in The Grove Bookshop window display.
There’s also a chance to win a typewriter currently on display at the Alpkit store near the station, by following the clues on the Typewriter Trail.
As well as the machines there will be hand-typed art for sale by Olly May. He produces eye catching pieces of art using lyrics and quotes from iconic figures.
Zoe Platt of Short & Few is hosting a workshop to create books with your typed creations.
David Trapps who is an experienced professional typewriter technician will be there to impart his knowledge and technical skills.
Lesley said:
“There is a large typewriter community out there on the internet and I know there will be quite a few people travelling a fair distance to join us on the day who will be bringing their own machines to show, together with some to sell or swap."
They were actually encouraged to put it on by none other than Tom Hanks who will be making an appearance - as large as life (a life-size cardboard stand)! Lesley typed a letter to him in lockdown and was delighted to receive a reply saying ‘set up your machines for that Type-In and watch everyone break out into smiles."

Free Play in the Park sessions return to Ilkley this summer
Joanne Towler joins Your Media Group in senior commercial role
Opening of new Kex Gill road delayed again due to weather
Bus service changes for Ilkley Half Marathon
Calling all alumni of Ilkley Grammar School
Ilkley Live music festival dedicated to Ilkley stalwart
Burnsall permanently closes park
Excitements builds for Sunday's Ilkley Half Marathon
Ilkley Duck Race profits donated to local charities and groups
Record crowds watch Ilkley Cycle Races
'Super pothole machines' could be coming to the streets of Ilkley
Ilkley Philharmonic Orchestra deliver Folklore & Fairytales
Police appeal follow theft of Land Rover Discovery
Two Rivers will take you on a voyage of discovery
New Ilkley podcast shines a light on local businesses
Booths crowned Supreme Retail Cheese of the Year
Summer events raise £16k+ to enhance IGS student opportunities
Community forum to discuss how best to support young men and boys
Friday's Ilkley Cycle Races: All you need to know!
Local children’s charity marks 15 years supporting 6,000 vulnerable children


