Typewriter portraits on display in London - 06/09/2010

A series of portraits of famous faces, including Marilyn Monroe, Barack Obama and Bonnie Greer, have been created using a typewriter.

Keira Rathbone, who creates the modern artwork with machines that could be 70 years old, decided to make portraits in this way while at university.

The 27-year-old who works at her studio in Chiswick said: "I love using a typewriter to draw. It's an enjoyable process and a unique way of creating imagery. I often go around London and just sit there with a typewriter drawing what I can see or doing portraits."

People's reaction to the portraits is usually to say they are amazing, she added.

Ms Rathbone has 30 typewriters to choose from and she can control the shades of the work, which can take three weeks to complete, by hitting the keys softer for lighter colours.

Another subject that Ms Rathbone has drawn in this unique way is politician David Miliband, who is currently running in the Labour Party Leader Election race.

Her work is currently on display at the Montcalm Hotel in London.

Posted by Oliver Greaves