Today, the LEGO Group has revealed the new #21327 LEGO Ideas Typewriter set, which is set to delight the most seasoned wordsmiths and fans of all things vintage.
Designed by LEGO fan, Steve Guinness from Chester, UK, as part of the LEGO Ideas platform, the #21327 LEGO Ideas Typewriter is based on a contemporary typewriter model of a bygone era, including the one used by LEGO Group founder Ole Kirk Christiansen.
Intricately designed to mirror the function and tactility of a classic typewriter, the #21327 LEGO Ideas Typewriter features a center type-bar that rises each time a letter key is pressed, linked to the carriage which moves across as you type, as well as a platen roller that real paper can be fed into.
In a fitting nod to the lost art of letter writing, the premium quality #21327 LEGO Ideas Typewriter set also comes with a letter written and signed by Thomas Kirk Kristiansen, chairman of the LEGO Group and a fourth-generation member of the family which still privately owns the business to this day.
The original concept for the typewriter came through LEGO fan Steve Guinness’ submission to the LEGO Ideas platform, a LEGO initiative that takes new ideas that have been imagined and voted for by fans and turns them into reality.
Discussing his idea, Steve said: “I wanted to create something totally different from anything that LEGO has ever done before and showcase that you really can make anything out of LEGO. I bought a vintage typewriter for my research and then played around with bricks and the mechanism until I was happy with the design. I hope it will bring nostalgia to adult fans like me, and wonder and curiosity to younger fans who might not have ever seen a real typewriter!”
While the concept of the typewriter dates back to the early 18th Century, Steve’s design, and the LEGO design team’s development of it, captures the styling cues of the modern 20th century typewriters, which still have a cult following today.
Federico Begher, VP of Global Marketing at LEGO Group commented: “It’s not hard to see why the vintage typewriter has such enduring appeal, and Steve’s incredible replica is a thoroughly worthy LEGO Ideas success story. For many, the escape from the connected world to the simplicity of the typewriter is a similar experience to the mindful process of building with LEGO bricks. Here, we have a LEGO set that combines these two worlds seamlessly and like its real-life counterparts, is something LEGO fans will be proud to display in their homes.”
In the video below, LEGO designers Wes Talbott and James May talk about the set in detail, including all the cool functions.
The #21327 LEGO Ideas Typewriter comes with 2,079 pieces and measures 12cm high, 27 cm wide, and 26 cm long. It is going to be available for LEGO VIP members from June 16th, with wider release will be on July 1st. Prices are as follows: $199.99/€199.99/329.99 AUD/269.99 CAD. For more information on the set, visit the LEGO Ideas section of the Online LEGO Shop.
What do you think? How do you like the LEGO Ideas Typewriter? Is this a set you’re planning to get? Feel free to share your thoughts and discuss in the comment section below!
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This turned out so much better than I expected. I love the color and the size!
Like the other person above me said; I had no interest in this set from Ideas, but now I like it!
It’s definitely cool, and a great level of detail. But… it’s a typewriter. What on earth do I need a LEGO typewriter for? 😀 I was surprised when it got picked, I would have thought it was too niche for a LEGO set. Glad to see that they went with a color for the body, anyways.
I love it ! I was interested when I first heard about it I want it for the same reson I’d want a real type writer be cuse its cool and I want to now how it works but I’d never use a real type writer its a shame I don’t have a job , or 199.99$$$ . p.s. the green is a nice nod to shrek .
It seems as it would work functionally as a real typewriter… just not practically…
(By the way, would the letter keys have stickers or prints?..)
It would appear as if the letter keys indeed are printed. That’s a nice feature.
This is a mid-century modern piece. Shrek? Lol. When you’re out of junior high you might get some of the references, and maybe even learn to spell!
Neat! Not something I need, but they did a great job. I hope those letters are printed and not stickers. That would be a nightmare.
Beautiful! Much better than I expected. The sand green is lovely!
UPDATE: I added the designer-video. Enjoy! 🙂
I love it. No excuse to get it, no display space and out of my budget, but it looks awesome!
I had no interest in the ideas submission, but I like this one. The green really makes it perfect.
Wonderful! They even included the ribbon! I might get this set just so I can show how a typewriter works to younger folks.