Sydney

•

Craft

•

Paper Craft and Ink

•

Kid Friendly

Typewriter Art Workshop

Learn how to make art on a typewriter

Barbara Campbell

5.0 (19)

3 hours

1 to 5

$45 - $60 (or 4 payments of $11.25 - $15 via- Afterpay)

($45 for Child/unemployed/senior, $60 for )

What you'll do

Looking for unique experiences in Sydney? Join artist Barbara in her Newtown studio and learn how to make art on a typewriter!

In this beginner-friendly workshop, you will be introduced to the collection of typewriters available for use during the workshop and shown some examples of typewriter art to get the creative juices going. You'll spend time getting to know the idiosyncrasies of your machine and then be shown how to pattern-build through some basic exercises.

After the introductory work and a cup of tea, you'll then have an hour to build your own work of unique art on specialty paper. And at the end of the workshop, the works get pinned up for discussion.

You'll love the feeling of the machine and its rhythmic sounds, especially when there are four or more going at once. And you'll love the results of your experimentation, which you get to take home.

If you've never used a manual typewriter, you're in for a treat!

Please note: These workshops are Covid-19 safe.

To see this class's bookable dates schedule, or to gift, just click here

Knowledge Required

No prior knowledge or skill needed.

What you'll get

Your own work of typewriter art on A4 specialty paper.

What to bring

Everything is supplied but if you have any old knitting patterns, they can be fun to use.

Suitable for

This is a fun indoor activity, suitable for adults, and kids (minimum 12 years old). Adult accompaniment is not required.

This would also be a unique gift for her or gift for mum.

Location

Newtown, NSW

Exact location is anonymised for privacy. You'll get the specific address after booking.

Your teacher

Barbara Campbell

5.0 (19)

Just after I finished my art school degree in 1981, my mother signed me up for a typing course so I could get a "real job". Little did she know then that I would continue to be an artist and find a way to make art with the typewriter. Now I have a collection of portable and desk machines from 1936 to 1980 when they were superseded by electric models and shortly after, by personal computers. You too can experience the satisfying rhythms of the typewriter by making your own piece of art in my Newtown studio with one of these mechanical beauties. I've taught in University Art schools in Australia, Hong Kong, London and USA to students at all levels of experience.

Gift this artisan experience

With our gift card, they can book this class at a time that suits them

Gifting options

Verified reviews

We only show reviews from customers who have paid for and attended this class

Rox Luca • Mar 2021

This was my second session with Barbara who is a lovely, friendly, and good-humoured teacher.
The venue, Barbara's studio, is in a wonderful converted industrial space which is easily accessible.
For this workshop I had my own Olivetti Dora typewriter, but as always, Barbara had her different typewriters available, including a classic older style one as well as other modern beauties.
In this session I learnt how to dismantle my typewriter and carefully clean it. I also had time to play with the machine and make a creative piece. I thoroughly recommend Barbara's sessions, always full of interesting information about the wonders of typewriters and there is time to play and enjoy them too.

Sarah Wagstaff • Mar 2021

What a fantastic class! The venue was lovely, l learnt a lot and made some beautiful artworks to take home.

Paul Allatson • Mar 2021

This was a fabulous afternoon; I learned how to take apart and thoroughly clean and get everything working on my Olivetti Lettera 32. Plus we all got to try out typewriter art. Inspirational and Barbara is a very hospitable host and knowledgable. Recommended to anyone interested in working with vintage typewriters!

Paper Craft and Ink workshop review by Paul Allatson

Bridget Kennedy • Mar 2021

wonderful workshop and lovely and relaxing way to spend a few hours on a Sunday afternoon

Jayne Denshire • Feb 2021

2 ClassBento workshops attended

What a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon! Barbara was delightful and very welcoming. The space was creative and inspirational and I loved the dynamic of all the different typewriters – different eras, different colours, different designs, different typefaces, different sounds. The class was well paced and a very fresh take on what it is to create using design. I'd definitely recommend this experience if you are into exploring the visual impact of type. The ginger nut biccie with our tea made for the perfect combo too!

Allison Galloway • Feb 2021

A wonderful experience that opened my eyes to the amazing creative potential of typewriting as art. Highly recommend this class.

See 14 more reviews

Rox Luca • Feb 2021

Barbara had the studio space set up beautifully for the workshop - with a couple of classic older models of typewriters sitting alongside beautiful more modern styles. The teacher provided a brief overview of typewriters and suggested a couple of exercises as a starting point. We were also shown some examples by previous workshop attendees. A selection of books reflecting the diverse range of creative possibilities were available to browse through which were inspiring. I loved this workshop. It was wonderful to experience the physicality of the typewriter, and it has given me ideas for future work. Thank you Barbara.

Tanya Mason • Feb 2021

I learnt some new techniques and found inspiration! The venue was fabulous and Barbara, the teacher, was knowledgeable and kind.

Eugenia Raskopoulos • Jan 2021

I loved this workshop! Barbara the tutor was friendly and welcoming. A unique workshop, I loved the history of the typewriters and typewriter art, Barbara's knowledge in the area is impressive. The Remington typewriter from 1936 was wonderful to work with. The studio was well organised, spacious and clean. The equipment was in perfect condition and materials provided were great. Fantastic value for money. I highly recommend this class. I learnt many new and varied techniques that I will now apply to my work. Thank you Barbara.

June Wu • Jan 2021

Fully enjoyed the session as Barbara is such a great facilitator and my husband and I both came out of the class feeling energised and accomplished.

Would highly recommend the class!

Liz O'Reilly • Jan 2021

What a great afternoon!
Our fabulous tutor Barbara led us to
expressions of an unusual type.
Learning about the fascinating social and mechanical history of beautiful typewriters was only one part of this engaging workshop - by the end of the day we had all created interesting, finished works on paper.
Well thought out and beautifully executed by Barbara, this a unique workshop - an absolute delight to participate in!

Typewriter Art Workshop review by Liz O'Reilly

Jackie Macdonald • Jan 2021

Barbara is a great teacher, listener and storyteller.
Her collection of typewriters are amazing, each having its own history - which she is more than happy to share.
This class is unique and at the end of it, we felt accomplished and grateful for the art we created. Using the typewriters brought out childhood memories and a new appreciation for old world equipment.
The studio was spacious and Barbara even allowed for our dog to be our artistic muse for the afternoon.
Thank you for the great experience!

Paper Craft and Ink workshop review by Jackie Macdonald

Anne Ferran • Dec 2020

I liked this class a lot my only issue was that it was over too soon. I might have to do it again! Thank you Barbara for a well-planned, creative and fun afternoon.

Anne Zahalka • Dec 2020

Great set-up and well structured workshop. Best not be too ambitious with what you want to do. It's more an introduction to what's possible with type and experimenting with patterns than having a set idea.

Sylvia Griffin • Dec 2020

A thoroughly enjoyable workshop. Barbara led us through the history of typewriter art and typewriters and showed us a range of possible outcomes. The workshop has certainly whet my appetite for more experimental work.

Paper Craft and Ink workshop review by Sylvia Griffin

Anne Brennan • Dec 2020

I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop. Barbara organised the class well and provided some very interesting historical background to the possibilities of working with typewriters to produce images and artists books. She was helpful and encouraging throughout, responding creatively to everyone’s individual needs. I thoroughly recommend this workshop.

Sarah Miller • Nov 2020

Such an enjoyable afternoon learning about typewriters and what they can do. Nice, clear introduction into the fascinating history of diverse machines, small group (good company), COVID safe and help to get me underway. Opportunity (with template) to create your own zine. Highly recommended.

Robyn Backen • Nov 2020

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

I didn't know what to expect but was delighted with the hands-on experience of making more with typewriters than just writing newspaper stories. Barbara not only had some wonderful machines for us to work and play with but also had a long loved experience oh what they were, how they worked and the marvels artists had performed with them. I wrote a mini book on one 1936 Remington and on various portables tapped out some concrete poerty and some creations I never thought I had in me. Well done and thanks I shall never look at a typewriter or use one the same again. Photo shows a Contessa I believe belonged to the Australian Federal Police-what a colour

Paper Craft and Ink workshop review by Robyn Backen

Robyn Backen • Nov 2020

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews

I attended Barbara’s typewriter workshop this afternoon. After an historical introduction to each typewriter I settled to type on a blue Olivetti. The flour mill studio was a great space to work in with, Chris, Debbie and Sarah. We all had very different approaches to creating on the analogue machines.