In Trani 'Letters from the beach', with the old typewriters

In the coastal town of Trani, Italy, children and elderly alike gathered on a sunny afternoon to engage in a unique literary exercise. At the heart of the activity was a vintage Olivetti Lettera 32 typewriter, its rhythmic clatter blending with the sound of waves and the warmth of the sun. Eight-year-old Mattia, accompanied by his grandfather Raffaele, participated in a free workshop titled “Lettere dalla spiaggia,” part of the summer project “Fuori museo estate” organized by the Seca Foundation. The foundation manages a museum housing 480 typewriters, each one a relic of a bygone era. Graziano Urbano, director of the Diocesan Museum Complex that includes the typewriter museum, described the experience as a journey through memory for older participants and an extraordinary opportunity for younger ones who have never interacted with typewriters. Raffaele, aged 65, shared how he was inspired by the sight of the typewriters and the nostalgic memories they evoked. He was composing thoughts drawn from the beauty before him and the past he cherished. Meanwhile, Mattia wrote a story titled “C’era una volta,” recounting tales of a zia who once practiced karate and still remembered her moves. Urbano noted how young participants often show remarkable care and concentration while using such outdated tools. The workshop, set to repeat on August 8th, originated after the pandemic, sparked by a photograph of Ernest Hemingway in a seaside setting with his Hermes typewriter. Inspired by this image, Urbano discussed the idea with Cavaliere Natale Pagano, founder of the foundation, leading to the decision to bring typewriters to the beach. This initiative marks a continuation of efforts to connect historical artifacts with public spaces. The concept of taking typewriters outside their usual setting is not new. During the inauguration of Matera as the European Capital of Culture, 40 typewriters were used in a flashmob in the city square. Urbano expressed hope that such activities might encourage youth to put down their phones and engage more deeply with the world around them. Writing with a typewriter, he explained, offers emotional engagement and prompts reflection on life’s beauty. The event highlighted the enduring appeal of typewriters, even in a digital age. Participants found joy in the mechanical process of typing, the tactile feedback of keys, and the tangible result of paper and ink. It was a celebration of craftsmanship and storytelling, bridging generations through a shared cultural artifact. As the sun set over the sea, the echoes of the typewriters continued, a gentle reminder of a time when writing was both art and effort.