Notice Board

The University of Lethbridge extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of the late Evan Gushul, a respected photographer and key figure in the restoration and donation of the Gushul Photo Studio to the University of Lethbridge, who passed away on October 7, 2014 at the age of 98 years.

Evan was one of four children to Thomas and Lena Gushul, who immigrated to Canada in 1906 from the Ukraine. Thomas gradually developed into one of Alberta’s most prolific photographers, and eventually became very well known in the Crowsnest Pass.

Evan was still active in promoting the history of the crowsnest Pass in his final days. This spring, at the age of 97, he gave an unscheduled presentation of his family’s photographic legacy to about 30 people during the Crowsnest Historical Society’s annual general meeting.

The Gushul family opened its first studio in Bush Town, Alberta in 1918, and a second studio in Blairmore in 1921. They closed the first studio in 1928. Thomas Gushul received many awards for his photography and, in particular, for the developments he made in mine photography. He was also well known for his portrait work. He later set up a photo-engraving plant which Evan operated for many years. Evan was also a photographer for the Department of Agriculture.

By 1945, the Gushuls were using the studio as their home and after Thomas’ death in 1962, Lena continued to work in the studio. Lena passed away in 1981, at which time the Gushul collection was distributed to heritage sites around Alberta. The largest collection resides in the Crowsnest Museum and Archives constituting close to 60,000 Gushul images, negatives and artifacts. Approximately 18,000 negatives and prints are also housed at the Glenbow Museum.

In 1985, the Gushul Studio was restored and renovated by the Alberta Historical Resources Foundation at a cost of $160,000 and in 1986 was registered as a historical resource. Materials used in this restoration were the same kinds as the original materials. The Studio’s architectural significance is that it is a residue of the original structures. The floor is the same wood. The clerestory windows, though new, occupy the same space. The floor plan remains the same as the original except for a few modifications such as the upstairs loft, which was added during restoration. The “Photo Studio” sign on the roof is the original sign installed by Thomas Gushul.

In 1988, Allen Wilcke, of the Chinook Educational Consortium, informed the University of Lethbridge that the Historical Resources Foundation was seeking a program for the Gushul Studio. Hence, a proposal for an artist residency was prepared, providing an overview of how the Gushul Studio might function as a cultural resource for the Crowsnest Pass and the University of Lethbridge. The Department of Art at the University of Lethbridge took the leading role in developing the residency program and an Advisory Committee was formed with representation from the University, the Chinook Educational Consortium, the Crowsnest Pass Ecomuseum Trust and the Crowsnest Pass Allied Arts Council. A formal three-year lease agreement was established and Sculpture Magazine advertised the residency program, which produced a flood of inquiries from all over North America. In 1991 negotiations were initiated between the University and the Alberta Historical Resources foundation on the gifting of the property and buildings to the University.

Funeral arrangements for Evan Gushul will be updated when finalized.