Mr Walter H. M. Carrington (1915 – 2005)

Walter Carrington had his first lessons with Alexander in 1935. He joined Alexander’s training course in 1936 and qualified in 1939. He served as a pilot with the Royal Air Force from 1941 to 1946. He survived his aircraft being shot down over Hungary in 1944, but received severe injuries. After the war, he returned to work with Alexander as an assistant teacher from 1946 to 1955. After Alexander’s death he carried on with the teacher-training course, and from 1960 until shortly before he died taught at the Constructive Teaching Centre near Holland Park in west London. From 1968 to 1970 he was chairman of the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique. He wrote several books and articles on the Technique and travelled extensively, encouraging those who wished to work.

Towards the end of his life, Mr Macdonald spoke with me on the subject of reconciliation.  As a result of this conversation, I made an appointment to see Walter Carrington. I vividly remember the first impression I had of him as he slowly came towards me at Number 18 Lansdowne Road, London. He received me graciously and accepted to take me under his guidance.

The lessons I had with him were of immense benefit. He supported me in beginning, as it were, to “close and open the circle”. Each lesson was new. Each lesson was different. His sensitive hands offered me guidance and his voice brought continuous encouragement for entering the unknown. He was wise and understanding, and he possessed a master’s ability to use humour to lighten the situation. I always looked forward to my lessons and felt gratitude towards him and his work each time I walked away from the teaching room.