London Artist Types 1M Letters to Create Wimbledon Scene

James Cook transforms blank paper into breathtaking art using nothing but an old typewriter, one keystroke at a time.

The London-based artist recently completed "Wimbledon 2026," a detailed scene of Centre Court featuring Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic mid-match. The piece required 378 hours of work over six weeks, with Cook typing more than a million letters and symbols using only his right index finger on a 1932 Smith Premier typewriter.

Cook's journey began at age 17 during a high school art project about creating with technology. He learned about Paul Smith, the original typewriter artist who used the medium to overcome severe cerebral palsy, and knew he'd found his calling.

An older couple overheard Cook and his father searching for a typewriter in charity shops and offered their 1950 Oliver Courier model. That same afternoon, Cook picked it up and started creating.

Now 29, Cook owns around 100 typewriters from across the world, most donated by fans. He studied architecture at University College London, which inspired many of his cityscape works featuring Rome, Paris, and New York.

The artist also creates celebrity portraits, including Shakespeare and Tom Hanks. His work caught fire on social media, leading to a BBC News feature that allowed him to become a full-time artist.

Why This Inspires

Cook's Wimbledon piece captures more than just a tennis match. Hidden throughout are playful details inspired by "Where's Waldo" books from his childhood: a ball boy whose bag is ripped open, a person dressed as a giant strawberry, and his favorite, a woman on a ladder sneaking a peek because she couldn't get tickets.

Tennis legend Billie Jean King commented on the artwork, along with current players. "I still can't believe sometimes that this is my job," Cook said.

He creates the grass texture using commas and quotation marks, forms hands with capital G's, and uses specially-made green typewriter ribbons for color. Small A4 artworks take about five days, while larger A3 pieces require weeks.

Cook even created a two-week animation to promote the Wimbledon piece. "I am immensely proud of it," he said, calling it the hardest work he's completed to date.

The artist who once searched charity shops for a single typewriter now inspires millions with patience, creativity, and the click-clack of vintage keys.