Lena and Thomas Gushul – Life in Front and Behind the Camera Exhibit and Book Launch
27 January 2023
The Kule Folklore Centre (KuFC) at the University of Alberta, focuses on Ukrainian Folklore and Culture and is one of the biggest Centre's outside of Ukraine to do so. It supports students interested in Folklore with research assistantships and maintains the Bohdan Medwidsky Ukrainian Folklore Archives. It is well known for developing exhibits that have travelled nationally across Canada as well as internationally. The Gushul book and exhibit are the latest additions to that list.
Book authors, Mariya Mayerchyk, Jelena Pogosjan and Dmytro Yesypenko and exhibit co-curators Jelena Pogosjan and Larisa Sembaliuk Cheladyn with support from the Crowsnest Museum and Archives in Coleman, Alberta and an array of many other stakeholders helped to bring this rich project to fruition.
Lena and Thomas Gushul immigrated to Canada in the beginning of the 20th century, they married in 1914, and opened their first photography studio in Coleman, Alberta sometime in 1917 or 1918. These Ukrainian Canadian photographers left a wonderful legacy: in addition to a rich collection of photographs and negatives, they also saved hundreds of letters written by their relatives, friends, as well as the Gushul Studio patrons. These letters give insight to the everyday lives of the people living in the Crowsnest Pass during that time period.
The exhibit, shown in the Foyer of the Rutherford Library - South at the University of Alberta in January 2023, features many photographs from Thomas’ and Lena’s extensive work. The Gushuls took pictures of the mining community in the area, portraits for families who were able to send them back to loved ones across the ocean, the Doukhobor Colonies of the area with their leader Peter Verigin, and captured the breathtaking mountain vistas of the Pass. The exhibit also features cameras and photography techniques and equipment that were cutting edge for the 20th century. Audio on the exhibit is available through QR codes.
This exhibit is accompanied by a two volume publication: the first volume is dedicated to the history of the Gushul Photo Studio and its production. It highlights how Lena and Thomas met, how they started their business and studio, the political climate of the mining community of the area, and the Doukhobor community and the Gushul’s interaction through photography. The second volume contains a selection of personal letters from the Gushul archive housed at the Crowsnest Museum and Archives including daily workings from a photography business as well as the Gushul’s political leanings and beliefs. Letters from family, friends, business associates, political partners and rivals portray a clearer picture of who Lena and Thomas Gushul really were.
Both volumes are available for purchase through the our Marketplace here.
Please note that volumes are available for purchase separaetey, for $60.00 each, or as a set for $100. Please select before checkout. Shipping costs are extra.
If you have any questions, please contact ukrfolk@ualberta.ca.
Pictured: Lena and Thomas Gushul in their Studio