Tom Hanks Shows Off His Typewriter, Just Like a Box of Chocolates

SSome celebrities have unique collections, like art, rare film prints, or old-fashioned action figures. (Leonardo DiCaprio is included.) Tom Hanks, on the other hand, is known for collecting typewriters, which may seem practical yet cumbersome. A portion of Hanks’ typewriter collection is now on display in a church in Sag Harbor, Long Island.

Hanks has personally selected 35 typewriters from his collection of over 300, including the electric typewriter used on the set of Mad Men. The exhibit features a variety of typewriters, from the classic 1969 Olivetti to a modern translucent model designed for an imprisoned writer in the 1980s. The display also includes some simpler typewriters for a hands-on experience, highlighting the physical presence that is integral to the typewriter’s allure.

Hanks shares a fictionalized account of his typewriter’s origins in his short story “These Are the Meditations of My Heart,” included in his collection “Uncommon Type.” The physical act of typing on a typewriter holds a special significance for him, as he often carries one with him and uses it daily for various tasks, like note-taking or making lists.

The exhibition design for Hanks’ typewriter collection was entrusted to Simon Doonan, a renowned creative director known for his work on various projects. Doonan’s approach to the exhibit reflects the interactive nature of collecting typewriters and highlights the historical significance of these machines in the 20th century.

Doonan emphasizes the aesthetic appeal of typewriters, describing them as visually engaging and immersed in design language that reflects their respective eras. While acknowledging the historical significance and practical use of typewriters, he also recognizes their potential for conveying both love letters and sinister messages, much like their portrayal in various movies over the years.

The physical experience of using typewriters, especially older models, is highlighted by the manual adjustments, satisfying key presses, and carriage movements that define the process. For those who appreciate the tactile nature of typewriters, Tom Hanks’ collection offers a glimpse into a bygone era filled with unique stories waiting to be told.