See more objects with the tag red, brightly colored, tool, writing, portable, typing, bold, plastic, innovative, handle, keyboard, writers, cases, authors, extrude, red plastic.

Object Timeline

-0001

1964

  • Work on this object began.

1974

  • Work on this object ended.

1986

  • We acquired this object.

1996

2006

2007

2013

2014

2015

2025

  • You found it!

Valentine Typewriter And Case

This is a Typewriter and Case. It was designed by Ettore Sottsass. It is dated ca. 1969 and we acquired it in 1986. Its medium is molded abs plastic, metal, rubber. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

Intended by Sottsass, a designer and architect, to be the “antimachine machine,” the Valentine made a vivid statement in a market dominated by somber appliances. The bright red plastic casing brought emotion to the typewriter, differentiating it from business machines and inspiring the literary crowd.

This object was featured in our Object of the Week series in a post titled Weekends With My Valentine.

This object was donated by Barry Friedman and Patricia Pastor. It is credited Gift of Barry Friedman and Patricia Pastor.

  • Telephone, Princess
  • thermoplastic case, steel base, electronic components .
  • Anonymous lender.
  • 15.2013.8
  •

Our curators have highlighted 7 objects that are related to this one. Here are three of them, selected at random:

Its dimensions are

H x W x D (a): 10.3 x 33 x 34 cm (4 1/16 in. x 13 in. x 13 3/8 in.) H x W x D (a, b: with case): 11.5 x 34.5 x 35.5 cm (4 1/2 in. x 13 9/16 in. x 14 in.)

It has the following markings

On top "made in Olivetti plant/Barcelona - Spain."

Cite this object as

Valentine Typewriter And Case; Designed by Ettore Sottsass (Italian, 1917–2007); Italy; molded abs plastic, metal, rubber; H x W x D (a): 10.3 x 33 x 34 cm (4 1/16 in. x 13 in. x 13 3/8 in.) H x W x D (a, b: with case): 11.5 x 34.5 x 35.5 cm (4 1/2 in. x 13 9/16 in. x 14 in.); Gift of Barry Friedman and Patricia Pastor; 1986-99-40-a,b

We have 1 video that features Valentine Typewriter And Case.

Collections in Motion: Valentine Typewriter

Senior objects conservator Annie Hall opens up the case for the iconic Valentine typewriter, replaces the ribbon, and types a short message. This is a study object, not the same typewriter housed...

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibitions Making Design and IDEO Selects: Works from the Permanent Collection.

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18621871/ |title=Valentine Typewriter And Case |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=11 February 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>