The itineraries of Ludvig Kumlien and the dissemination of Swedish gymnastics in France (1895-1921)

Abstract

Swedish gymnastics was among the proposals for physical education present in Europe during the 19th century, which spread through different mediating agents. The Swede Ludvig Gideon Kumlien was one of the persons involved in this process. Kumlien’s activities for disseminating Swedish gymnastics in France, mainly in Paris between 1895 and 1921, were analyzed for this paper. The sources used include newspapers, magazines and manuals from physical and digital collections. The conclusion herein is that Kumlien assumed multiple roles in the popularization of Swedish gymnastics. He made his gymnastics known, in and outside of France, via print media and translated into manuals, taught and practiced in his gymnastic classes and exhibitions.