The circular objects in the image are typewriter erasers, which came with a small brush attached to them. The erasers themselves were made from soft materials like rubber, often infused with fine abrasives. This combination was designed to remove ink or typewriter ribbon marks from paper, which was the primary method of correcting mistakes on a typed document before the advent of white-out or digital editing.
The small brush on the tool was used to gently whisk away the eraser debris left on the paper after erasing a letter or a word. In an age when typewriters ruled the business and literary worlds, these tools were essential to maintaining neat and professional-looking work.
A Snapshot in Time: When Eraser Brushes Were Essential
In the early to mid-20th century, typewriter eraser brushes were as common as correction fluid or digital backspace keys are today. Every typist had one on their desk because, despite their best efforts, mistakes in typing were inevitable. These tools allowed for correcting those mistakes without the need to retype an entire page.
Back then, carbon paper was often used for making copies, so one mistake could mean fixing multiple sheets of paper. Eraser brushes were gentle enough not to tear the delicate paper yet effective at removing the erroneous marks.
The Decline of the Typewriter Era
With the rise of word processors and eventually personal computers, typewriters quickly became obsolete. The need for such specialized erasers faded as digital text allowed for instantaneous editing. Today, these erasers are rare relics from a time when typing was both an art and a skill.
For those who remember using these eraser brushes, seeing one today is a nostalgic reminder of how much the world of writing and editing has evolved. The phrase “times have changed” has never been truer, especially when comparing the challenges of fixing a typewritten document to the ease of modern technology’s undo button.
A Niche Collectible
Today, typewriter eraser brushes are considered collectibles. Vintage enthusiasts and lovers of retro office supplies value them for their simplicity and effectiveness. Though they might look out of place in a world dominated by digital devices, they serve as a testament to the ingenuity of past generations and the unique tools that once supported everyday tasks.
Conclusion: From Essential to Obsolete
For those who’ve never used a typewriter, the tools in the image may seem mysterious, even obsolete. But for older generations, they bring back memories of the rhythmic clacking of typewriter keys, the smell of ink ribbons, and the ever-present eraser brush sitting nearby. Times have certainly changed, and as with many innovations, what was once essential now rests quietly in history’s archives.
My husband and I bought a neglected 34 m² one-bedroom and made a great renovation: before and after photos
Moving to another city was the reason for a couple to buy their own place. Due to the limited budget, they chose a modest one-room flat with an area of 34 square metres. The new owners did not like the old interior, so they turned to designers to create a unique and comfortable space.
Entrance hall
The walls in the hallway were levelled and painted with light moisture-resistant paint. The floor was laid with porcelain stoneware under marble. At the entrance there are decorative wooden panels with hooks for clothes. Next to it, a wall-mounted console with a mirror and a turquoise pouffe were installed. A spacious storage cabinet with turquoise doors was placed between the kitchen and the room.
Kitchen
In the kitchen, the floor is also laid with porcelain tiles. A refrigerator is installed at the entrance, and behind it there is a dining area with a round table and a cosy sofa. Behind the sofa is an accent wall with a mural and voluminous panels.
Opposite is a corner kitchen set in green and wooden colours, and the apron is tiled in blue-green.
Room
The living room, located at the entrance to the room, has blue coloured walls and laminate flooring. A storage system with a TV is located to the left of the entrance. Opposite is a large grey sofa and a slatted partition dividing the space into zones.
Behind the partition is a sleeping area with a double bed, a bedside table, a TV and a compact dressing table. On the wall behind the bed, a mural with three-dimensional panels reappeared. A bar counter was installed on the balcony.
Bathroom and WC
For the design of the bathroom and the toilet they chose classic white, black rectangular tiles and tiles with a geometric pattern.
The washing machine is conveniently located opposite the sink.
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