The Typewriter Revolution

Sorry you are too late, this event has been and gone!

Drawing on our outstanding typewriter collection, this exhibition features a range of machines, including an 1876 Sholes and Glidden typewriter which was the first to have a QWERTY keyboard.

About The Typewriter Revolution

Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3

Writing a new chapter

The impact of the typewriter has been much wider than simply speeding up the way we write. It helped revolutionise the world of work and change the lives of working women in particular. Typewriters helped them launch their own businesses at a time when female employers were rare and became a vital weapon in the fight for the vote.

The typewriter's social and technological influence is revealed in this new exhibition and looks at its role in society, arts and popular culture. It traces the effect and evolution of typewriters across more than 100 years, from weighty early machines to modern style icons. And despite being erased from many offices by the rise of computers, the typewriter has remained a beloved design icon that is still in use today.

Tap into typewriters

Drawing on our outstanding typewriter collection, the exhibition features a range of machines, including an 1876 Sholes and Glidden typewriter which was the first to have a QWERTY keyboard; a 1950s electric machine used by Whisky Galore author Sir Compton Mackenzie; and the 1970s design icon, the Olivetti Valentine.

Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.

All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.

GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Edinburgh, click here to find out more!

Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Edinburgh? Just hit 'Like' on our Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group and 'Follow' on our Twitter account and you're all set!

Other Events at National Museum of Scotland

Exhibitions

Cold War Scotland

13th July 2024 - 4th January 2026

National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh Old Town

Exploring Scotland’s critical position on the frontline of the Cold War, a new exhibition will tell the stories of the Scots at the centre of this global conflict.

Exhibitions

Monkeys: Our Primate Family

28th June 2025 - 30th November 2025

National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh Old Town

See some of the rarest and most endangered primates on Earth in 'Monkeys: Our Primate Family' at the National Museum of Scotland.

Family and Kids

Summer Family Fun

14th July 2025 - 1st August 2025

National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh Old Town

Drop-in for some holiday fun and games at the National Museum of Scotland this summer.

Similar events you might like...

Snapshots: Gallery Short Talks

Selected dates between 13th March 2025 - 4th September 2025

The Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh East

Join us on Thursdays at The Palace of Holyroodhouse for a short talk on one of the fascinating photographs in our exhibition Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography!

Visual Arts Scotland: Inches Carr Craft Development Award Showcase Exhibition

2nd July 2025 - 6th July 2025

Dundas Street Gallery, Edinburgh New Town

The Inches Carr Craft Development Award Showcase Exhibition, at Dundas Street Gallery from 2nd to 6th July, will highlight 16 shortlisted crafters and makers.

Alexander Goudie: La Belle Vie – Act II

3rd July 2025 - 26th July 2025

The Scottish Gallery, Edinburgh New Town

The Scottish Gallery proudly presents the second chapter in our celebration of Alexander Goudie’s vivid worlds: the sunlit traditions of Brittany and the theatrical elegance of Glasgow.

Fragments

5th July 2025 - 30th July 2025

&Gallery, Edinburgh New Town

Fragments presents a series of small-scale collages by a selection of &Gallery artists, many of whom are working in this medium for the first time.

Karen Stamper :: Salvage

5th July 2025 - 30th July 2025

&Gallery, Edinburgh New Town

&Gallery is delighted to welcome back Karen Stamper for her first solo exhibition, Salvage, showing for 5th to 30th July.

Odysseys Through The Storm

8th July 2025 - 12th July 2025

Out of the Blue Drill Hall, Leith

Catch this captivating exhibition showcasing the work of Art Psychotherapy graduates from Queen Margaret University at the Out of the Blue Drill Hall from 8th to 12th July!

Exhibition of Artworks by Roy Middleton

12th July 2025 - 17th July 2025

Whitespace, Edinburgh South

‘Elements Series’ is an exciting collection of artworks by Edinburgh artist Roy Middleton exploring other worlds and colour. Catch it at Whitespace from 12 July!