Vitaly Gzell

Vitaly de Gzell (1908-1977) was a Russian-Australian architect, who practised in Queensland in the modernist tradition.

Early life Vitaly de Gzell was born on 21 December 1908 in Harbin, China to Russian parents, Alexander Gzell and his wife. He was their only child. They emigrated to Australia in 1925 and Vitaly became an Australian citizen in 1935. Alexander Gzell was a furniture maker after emigrating to Australia.

Notable designs Work as Blackburne & Gzell

Dunk Island Tourist Resort (1935) Schureck home, Eblin Drive, Hamilton (1936) 54 Highland Terrace, St Lucia (1936) Bellevue Court, Clayfield (1937) Mathers House, Holland Park (1937) Dorchester Inn, Spring Hill (1938) Read Press Building, Fortitude Valley (1939) Hinda aka Rialto Lodge, Coorparoo (1940)

Work as sole architect

11 Tarcoola Street, St Lucia (1957) 7 Herbert Street, Toowong (1957) The Mawby Residence, Langside Road, Hamilton (1958) ‘Lumeah’, Bina Avenue, Indooroopilly (1959) 421 Brookfield Road, Kenmore Hills (1965)

Later life In his later years Gzell was well known for hosting art exhibitions and concerts in his home, Usonia (now demolished). This home had been designed for presentation to prospective clients.

Awards and memberships

President, Twelfth Night Theatre Founding member, Brisbane Symphony Orchestra Fellow of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects, 1961

Personal life Gzell married Lorna Martin in 1936. He died on 17 April 1977. They had three children, Barbara, Ian and Julie.

Legacy Correspondence relating to his architectural work is located in the University of Queensland Fryer Library.