Overview

To coincide with Glasgow hosting the Commonwealth Games, Gary Nisbet looks at the life of someone who shaped the city's attitude to sport.

As Glasgow and Melbourne host the 2026 Commonwealth Games in July-August, sculpture historian Gary Nisbet reveals the story of Frenchman François Foucart (1793-1862), the 'Father of Physical Fitness in Glasgow', and the role of his son, Dr. Louis Foucart (1820-1899) as the 'Father of Physical Fitness in Australia', together with their founding of what is now Strathclyde University's sports faculty at the old Andersonian College in George Street in the 1830s.

Gary Nisbet is a researcher and historian with a special interest in sculpture, and the initiator of glasgowsculpture.com.