Eric de Peyer (1906–90), British teacher of the Alexander Technique.
Biography
After graduating in English from Oxford he studied archaeology for a short time before joining Alexander’s training course (1936-39). He married Jean in 1938 and they had four sons. He worked with Charles Neal at the Re-Education Centre (of which de Peyer was vice-principal), which became the Isoble Cripps Centre in December 1948. In 1953 de Peyer left to set up his own private practice at Wellington Square, Chelsea. From 1979 he also practised in West Wittering until increasing incapacity from Parkinson’s Disease forced him to retire.[1]
Writings
Eric de Peyer’s writings mainly cover the therapeutic effects of the Technique.
‘Posture, habit and health’ by Eric de Peyer.[2]
‘Posture, habit and health first’ by Eric de Peyer (undated). A booklet which was republished under the title of ‘The Alexander Technique and Its Relevance to Health’, with minor changes.
‘Spinal traction’ by Eric de Peyer, letter in The Lancet.[3]
‘Maintaining nature’s safety margin by the Alexander method’ by Eric de Peyer.[4]
‘The Alexander Technique and its value in back disorders’ by Eric de Peyer. A paper read at a STAT meeting 22 November 1962 and subsequently published as a booklet, and as ‘The Alexander Technique and back disorders’ in The Alexander Journal.[5] A condensed version was published later in More Talk of Alexander.[6]
‘A positive approach to asthma’ by Eric de Peyer.[7]
Video
Eric de Peyer is featured briefly in the edited version of the 1984 Channel 4 programme on the Alexander Technique. The edited version was published as Posture and Pain (VHS video tape).
Obituary
‘Eric de Peyer’ by Anthony de Peyer.[8]
Eric de Peyer *1906 – †28 October 1990.
