WATCH: Highland typewriting teenager who shares an interest with Tom Hanks does homework on vintage machine
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Amid the clatter of keys of his favourite typewriter, James Henderson reveals an unusual ambition for a teenager growing up in the digital age.
The 16-year-old of Beauly is on a mission to keep typewriters alive.
"It is a bit of an addiction," he admitted. "I would love to have typewriter salesman on my CV!"
It is a passion he shares with Hollywood actor Tom Hanks who owns a vast collection of typewriters which he uses regularly.
James's own collection amounts to about 100 machines in various conditions and ages from a 1910 Imperial B to a 1950s Remington and even one which began life in a German factory just before the outbreak of World War II and later found its way to the UK.
Familiar makes such as Royal or Oliver feature in the collection but he revealed his favourite is a German-made Voss ST 24 from the 1950s.
"The design and feel is just pure quality and the construction is 100 per cent," he said.
The Charleston Academy pupil, who sometimes hands in typewritten homework, said the reaction of friends to his collection is that it is "cool".
"Often it is the first time they have seen one," said James, who given a choice would choose typewriters over computers.
He is drawn by their design and feel.
"Nothing can beat that tactile feel and the way it focuses you in – not giving you an alert when you have done something wrong, or made an error," he said.
"You just embrace it and carry on and do your best to keep going."
While it might be easy to correct a mistake on a computer, James does not feel the need to resort to using correction fluid when he makes an error on the typewriter.
His interest began about three years ago and he continues to add to the collection of typewriters which have been given to him, or bought from various sources including charity shops.
"It started from seeing them pop up in shows and films," he said.
"I have always had a fascination for things which are old."
His passion is evident as he talks about the invention of the earliest writing machines, their development and the mechanics and the role of the typewriter in social history including opening up the world of work to women.
"I love the history behind them and how they influenced the world," he said.
But it also the history of each individual model in his collection and the potential stories behind their previous owners which also sparks his curiosity.
"Some typewriters embody the previous writer," he said.
"The space bar, for example, might have some paint on it. Or a secretary might have had long nails which has created scratches on the keys.
"They have left their mark."
He tries to track down the typewriter's history from online information and a directory of serial numbers compiled by another typewriter enthusiast.
He has an Erika, for instance which was made in Dresden in Germany three months before the outbreak of World War II and sold in Dusseldorf.
At some point, the letters have been slightly adapted from German to English and he is curious as to how it found its way to the UK – was it brought back by soldier after the war ended, for example?
James's interest is also shared by his father, Mike, a tiler.
"I like vintage things which have a story to tell," he said.
"There is a renaissance in typewriters.
"It seems to be a young person driven thing. There is quite a big community and it seems to be the young generation who are keen."
He spends hours in his spare time fixing or restoring wrecked typewriters, or cleaning them up.
Sometimes, he will use parts from one typewriter to rebuild another.
"We don't like killing a typewriter ourselves," he said. "We try to keep them alive and keep them going."
Although he has tracked down instructional online films made by other enthusiasts, Mr Henderson often finds the most effective way of building up his skills and working out how to carry out repairs is by working it out himself.
He added that while it is possible to acquire typewriter accessories such as ribbons, he is struggling to acquire specialist tools for repairing typewriters and would be delighted to hear from anyone who has any.
