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Personal Background:
Erik Rees, Chairman of The British Institute of
Graphologists until 2001, began his interest in graphology at a very young age,
being the son of a professional graphologist in his native
Czechoslovakia. After fleeing to Britain with his parents
during the second
world war, young Erik began his education in
this country, finally gaining a diploma in textiles at
Salford University. Being a born linguist with five languages to his credit,
including English and Czech, Erik successfully held several senior
positions in textile industry, his father having advised him against
following a career in graphology. However, his love for the subject never
left him and every now and then an opportunity would present itself
to demonstrate his prowess.
The following were amongst his most dramatic successes:
- Erik pin-pointed a probable embezzler from among several suspects. Confronted by his
employer, the man confessed and was later convicted.
- In the face of general disbelief, Erik challenged the validity of a supposed suicide
note and was later vindicated when the writer was found alive and in hiding.
- Upon noting in the signature of a senior executive the intense hatred towards his natural
father, Erik Rees suggested that he change his name to that of his foster father, with whom
he had been happy. This advice was followed and the man's work, marriage and whole outlook
improved.
- Erik detected certain changes in the handwriting of a friend, that had gone undetected
by her family. Suspecting a neurological basis for these changes, he urged her to see a
Physician who diagnosed a brain tumour. (Surgery was successful).
It was this experience, more than any other, that finally persuaded Erik Rees
to turn his life-long interest into a full-time profession. Subsequently he became a Founder
member of The
British Institute of Graphologists, and later Chairman. In 1997 he founded the Graphology
Research and Education Trust becoming Chairman. Today he is active and successful in all areas
of Graphology, but because of his personal experiences in industry and commerce he specialises
in personnel recruitment.
Erik has coped with family set-backs, taking care of his wife Audrey following her recent stroke,
and with many challenges
to his professional career. He joined the European consortium of graphologists based in
Germany, and attended many meetings in Europe and North America as Institute representative.
He has trained many students to Diploma level, and given up his
time to lecture on the subject to potential students in summer schools.
The decision taken to give up a well paid career to pursue his love of graphology has been
more than justified, and as he plans for the future
he has time for everything, except retirement! |
