Ettore Sottsass, Perry King - Olivetti - Valentine - Typewriter - 1960s

The Olivetti Valentine is an iconic, highly collectable portable mechanical typewriter, known for its bold Pop Art design and bright red plastic case. Launched in 1969, it was designed by Italian architect and designer Ettore Sottsass and British industrial designer Perry King for the Italian company Olivetti.

Design and Features

Iconic Design: The Valentine is famous for its vibrant color, most notably bright red, which was a radical departure from the drab, heavy office equipment of the era. It was also available in white, blue, and green, though these are much rarer.
Portability: Conceived as an "anti-machine machine" for use anywhere but the office, it features a lightweight ABS plastic body and an integrated handle, making it easy to carry. The case is a custom-designed sheath that slides over the machine, rather than a bulky separate item.
Pop Art Aesthetic: Sottsass was influenced by Pop Art, using visually striking elements like the orange ribbon spool caps that stand out against the black keys and red body.
Cultural Icon: Although functionally mediocre and not a commercial success at the time of its release, the Valentine quickly became a design classic, featured in the permanent collections of major museums like the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York and the Design Museum in London. It was used by celebrities like Brigitte Bardot and David Bowie, whose personal Valentine sold for a significant sum at auction.