Meet Reginald Blue: My Vintage Writing Companion
Meet Reginald Blue
There are typewriters, and then there's Reginald Blue.
He arrived in my life with a quiet kind of confidence; dressed in his original 1980s blue, with silver trim and a knowing clatter in his keys. A Silver Reed manual typewriter, yes, but that’s just the beginning. Reginald isn’t just a machine……he’s a presence.
I named him Reginald for his air of timeless British dignity. The name means wise ruler, which feels fitting, as he now governs my writing sessions with old-world poise and a slightly judgmental space bar. And Blue; not only for his striking hue, but for his mood: cool, calm, and a little bit Ultravox on a rainy afternoon.
Back to the 80s (and a Typewriter Revelation)
My journey with typewriters goes back further than I expected. In the 1980s, I studied Computer Studies at GCSE. Not by choice, mind you. I had my heart set on Art, but my parents had other ideas. They also signed me up for RSA Stage 1 in Typewriting, a formal UK qualification that taught touch-typing on a manual typewriter. At the time, it felt like a forced detour. Little did I know, it was the beginning of a skill that would shape the way I write for life.
To this day, I'm a decidedly heavy-handed typist - a habit learned from pounding those old manual keys with conviction. And while computers have become my day-to-day tools, I’ve never quite lost the longing for that distinct rhythm: click-clack-ding!
Reginald’s Grand Entrance
The modern computer, for all its convenience, holds too many distractions. Tabs, pings, and the siren song of social media. I craved something simpler, slower, and more focused. Something tactile. So I turned to Facebook Marketplace, dreaming of restoring an old typewriter or two.
Fast forward: there are now three typewriters in my garage awaiting a bit of TLC.
But then he appeared. This beautiful beast, nearly perfect, nestled in his original box with the invoice and paper still inside. Regal. Blue. Glorious. It was love at first tap.
A Love Letter to the 80s
The 80s were a defining time for me. I lived in bright colours (yes, even ones that match Reginald’s brilliant blue), and the soundtrack of my life was full of synths and soul. I was - and still am - a devoted fan of Howard Jones and Midge Ure. Their music shaped the emotional backdrop of my youth, and somehow, I hear echoes of them when I sit down with Reginald.
He’s a nod to that era. Not just in colour and make, but in spirit…..intentional, analogue, expressive.
Why a Typewriter?
Because sometimes, the modern world feels just a little too noisy. Writing with Reginald is a ritual. A return to slower rhythms, tactile moments, and the joy of putting thought to page without distractions. No tabs open. No notifications. Just me, and the sound of letters arriving one by one.
It’s not about nostalgia. It’s about presence.
And Reginald…….well, he brings that in spades.
Coming soon: Reginald’s top tips for tea pairings, character naming, and why he refuses to work with anyone who uses Comic Sans.
