Lionel
Logue (26th February 1880 to 12th April 1953)
Have you seen the film The King’s Speech starring Colin Firth
and Helena Bonham Carter? Its
about Prince Albert’s chronic fear of public speaking (due to a severe stammer)
and his use of a therapist to help him over the ordeal. That speech and
language therapist (and actor) was Lionel Logue and he worked here.
Before he became
king Prince Albert vehemently dreaded any form of public speaking (who can
blame him?) He made a speech at the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley in
October 1925. He stammered so badly it was as painful for him as it was for the
listeners.
In 1926 he sought
out Lionel Logue who found the co-ordination between the Duke’s larynx and
thoracic diaphragm was lacking. They key to success was relaxing the Duke.
Logue prescribed a daily hour of vocal exercises and through relaxation certain
muscle spasms were minimised - so much that in 1927 the Duke was speaking
confidently in public. He spoke at the opening of the Old Parliament House in
Canberra without stammering.
Logue helped the
Duke through the 1930s and 40s. He prescribed tongue-twisting sentences to help
his patient rehearse for big speeches like his coronation and radio broadcasts
through World War Two.
Logue worked with
the Duke through the 1930s and 40s. He prescribed his patient with
tongue-twisters to help rehearse for major speeches performed at his
coronation, also his radio broadcasts made throughout the Second World War.
Logue was married
in Perth Australia (where he was born) and they had three sons. He was a
Freemason and Worshipful Master in 1919.
If you’d like to
read more about this Logue's grandson has written a book about his granddad
called The King's Speech: How One Man Saved the British Monarchy. The shorter
title was used for the film.
Logue and the King
remained friends until the King's death.
I went and stood
on the steps into the main door and wondered which people in history had stood
there too. As I was taking a photo of the plaque an Arabian woman appeared
through the door and asked if she could help. I said I was just taking a photo
of the plaque and she disappeared.
Here is Mark, the
grandson of Lionel Logue at the unveiling of the plaque. Also one of the
consulting rooms.
