Art and Heritage Online Database

Search our collections [Advanced Search]

Objects

Viewing Record 44 of 127
Previous Record  Next Record
Switch Views: Lightbox | Image List | List

Imperial Typewriter Model 50

Collection: Robert Gordon University Heritage Collection
Object Type: Heritage
Artist/Maker: Imperial Typewriter Company Ltd.
Place Made: Leicester, England
Date: c. 1940
Media/Materials: Metal
Dimensions: 28.5 x 36.7 x 26 cm

Description:

Imperial typewriter, model 50. Produced circa 1940 by Imperial Typewriter Company Ltd.


Imperial typewriter. Serial no. s6143.n 1902, American inventor Hidalgo Moya, arrived in Leicester, carrying his handmade model of what, at the time, he considered a revolutionary design of typewriter. A local businessman, Mr J.G. Chattaway, was persuaded to finance the opening of a small factory in Garton Street, Leicester, where The Moya Typewriter Company could develop, manufacture and market their new machine. The main aim was to produce a workable typewriter that would sell for five guineas. This he achieved but the machine was uneconomical to produce and not very successful. An improved second model was also unsuccessful. By 1908 Moya needed more financial assistance for the company to survive. Two local businessmen stepped in to back a successful third design which became the Imperial Model A, thus the Imperial Typewriter Company came into existence to become one of the world's leading typewriter manufacturers.
http://www.gracesguide.co.uk/wiki/Imperial_Typewriter_Co
http://www.bbc.co.uk/ahistoryoftheworld/objects/8dazQDteRLu2WZVfV1keZQ
Object Number: ABDRG10619