Broman , Allan , 1861-1947

Allan Broman; Diploma from Central Institute of Gymnastics, Stockholm;
Assistant [in England?] to J.H. Kellgren (1837-1916), exponent of Ling system and pioneer of medical gymnastics, 1883; Established practice in London (this is the date of the first entry in his notebooks), 1884. This may have begun as a partnership since the first treatment [massage and exercises?] was given by J.H. Kellgren and his brother Arvid, while Broman interviewed and examined the patients. Subsequently Broman took over the treatment from the Kellgrens whose names disappear [except for references to 'old patients of Kellgren's]. Mrs Broman evidently also administered treatment, though she seems to have had her own clientele.

Founded National Physical Recreation Society, 1886; Founded his own 'medical institute' - not named by sources but Broman used paper headed 'Institute for the Manual Treatment of Diseases, 10 Southwick Place, Hyde Park, W' (see inserts in notebooks), 1888; Organising Master of Physical Exercises to London School Board. His Swedish system opposed first by Thomas Chesterton (Superintendent of Physical Exercises, who had his own system, more popular with teachers) and later by anti-militarist lobby, 1888-1893; President, Swedish Gymnastics Association, 1891; Appointed to conduct first course at new Royal Navy gymnastics school of Portsmouth, 1902-1903; Founder member of 'Svenska Sjukgymnastiksällskapet Ling' (Swedish Ling School of Medical Gymnastics), 1905; Founded Central Institute for Swedish Gymnastics for men students (Paddington Street, London) on lines of Stockholm Institute, 1911; Central Institute became hospital. Broman engaged in recruit training for new armies, 1914.

Central Institute purchased from Broman by London County Council and renamed L.C.C. College of Physical Education, c 1918; Broman's daughter was Anna B. Broman MRCP,LRCP (1891-1962) also used the form of Swedish massage which Broman introduced to England, and published on the subject (Recreative Physical Training, n.d.). Her aunt was Madam Bergman Osterbury who ran a college at Dartford, Kent, which had a high reputation for its methods of physical training. n.b. Portraits of Allan Broman and J.H. Kellgren are in A. Holmström's Svensk Gymastik 1904-1929, 1930.