The world of arts and television remembers Prunella Scales not just for her iconic acting roles, but for her profound talent as a poetry reader and her deeply compassionate nature. A touching letter from a former neighbour has shed new light on the warm-hearted generosity that defined her off-screen life.
A Gifted Reader of Poetry
In the 1960s, while living in Barnes, south-west London, Prunella Scales was already recognised by those close to her for her exceptional skill in reading poetry. This talent was showcased to a national audience in 1977, when she contributed to a much-loved BBC TV production.
She was part of a distinguished group, including Michael Hordern, Richard Pasco, and Janet Suzman, for The Queen's Realm: A Prospect of England. This 'aerial anthology,' conceived by John Betjeman, featured readings of poems that celebrated the English landscape. Betjeman, a former Poet Laureate and a masterful reader himself, held Scales in particularly high regard. He especially admired her "unactorish" and authentic delivery of works by the renowned poet Philip Larkin.
A Compassionate Friend in Difficult Times
The letter reveals one of Scales' most touching attributes: her unwavering loyalty as a friend. When John Betjeman later suffered a stroke that left him incapacitated and unable to speak, Scales made a characteristically kind gesture.
She visited his bedside regularly to read aloud to him. This act of quiet devotion, providing comfort through the power of poetry during his final days, stands as a powerful testament to her generous spirit. It was a selfless act from a woman remembered not only for her professional achievements but for her profound human warmth.
This personal recollection adds a deeper, more intimate layer to the public legacy of Prunella Scales, celebrating her both as a supremely gifted artist and a wonderfully kind-hearted individual.
