Discover the fascinating life of David Fortune, a trailblazing Glaswegian whose legacy epitomized the vibrancy of Victorian and Edwardian Glasgow. In this episode of This Day in Scottish History, we journey back to December 9, 1903, when the Glasgow East End Industrial Exhibition opened its doors. This ambitious event, organized to benefit the Royal Infirmary, attracted over 908,000 visitors and showcased Fortune’s unparalleled organizational prowess and passion for industrial progress and social reform. While its financial success was modest, the exhibition was a crowning achievement in Fortune’s lifelong mission to empower workingclass communities through innovation, culture, and education.

Born in Glasgow in 1842, Fortune rose from modest beginnings to become a prominent organizer of industrial exhibitions, starting with Scotland’s first in 1865. His career was marked by relentless advocacy for temperance, education, and civic betterment. From managing industrial showcases to serving as president of the Scottish Legal Life Assurance Society, Fortune tackled issues ranging from child insurance to workingclass welfare. His work culminated in lasting contributions like Glasgow’s People’s Palace, a cultural landmark funded by the success of earlier exhibitions he chaired.

A man of vision and moral conviction, Fortune's influence spanned decades, earning him public acclaim, including a commemorative portrait in 1911. Dive into his remarkable story and discover how one individual helped shape Glasgow's social and cultural fabric. Don’t miss this captivating look at a true reformer’s enduring impact!