Patrick John Macdonald (6 March 1910 – 23 November 1991)

Patrick Macdonald, one of the foremost teachers of the Alexander Technique, was born in York, England in 1910. At the instigation of his parents, who were concerned by growing problems related to a congenital curvature of his spine, he began to receive lessons from F.M. Alexander and his brother A.R. at the age of ten. Mr Macdonald, in later years, paid tribute to F.M. for saving his life.

He continued to have lessons throughout his adolescent years, and after graduating from Cambridge University with a degree in history, he entered Alexander’s first teacher-training course in 1932. He qualified as a teacher of the Technique in 1935 and became one of Alexander’s assistants at 16 Ashley Place, Victoria, London until 1949. He then moved to Birmingham, where he built up a teaching practice while continuing to visit Ashley Place. In 1940, he joined the Royal Navy. After the cessation of hostilities, he taught in Cardiff (Wales) and London. In 1961, he settled near Lewes, Sussex. Mr Macdonald conducted teacher-training courses in London (1957–1987) and Lewes (1987–1991). His book, The Alexander Technique As I See It, was published in 1989.