The typewriters of Singapore

Early in September I had an opportunity to visit a country I have always been quite fascinated by. While its colonial past seems relatively peaceful, Singapore became a major flashpoint during the Second World War that had huge implications for the region, including Australia. It is an island that shares a waterway with the south…

Shenzhen – The wild frontier no more?

My relationship with Shenzhen dates back a decade or so. I first visited here in the early 2000s which was back before the Chinese Olympics. Back then it was a city that  was exploding almost out of control of the government, and was a pretty wild place. For those who are unfamiliar with Shenzhen, it is…

Invicta we trust.

The Invicta. It has the most beautiful segment ever made, and a sharp and sophisticated design in its branding that is almost iconic. This is a machine that has an art-deco flair that has only been surpassed by the better known Olivetti Studio 42. But none of that seemed to stop this machine coming dangerously close to losing its life.…