Edwin Ellis was an accomplished English watercolourist, known predominantly for landscapes and maritime scenes.

Born in Nottingham, Ellis’ father worked as a lace manufacturer and as such, encouraged his children to work alongside him. Nottingham was at the centre of the lace industry and renowned for its innovative approach. As a young man, Ellis was employed as a lace draughtsman and undoubtedly honed his skills whilst producing fine drawings ahead of production.

These early experiences encouraged him to pursue further tuition alongside his work, and he enrolled at Nottingham School of Art, which offered evening classes. Evidently blessed with significant talent, he was a medal student and, it’s believed, that he probably completed his training in France. It’s conceivable that he lived for a while in Paris as his style is somewhat influenced by the French Impressionists, who were emerging during this period.

In 1867, he debuted at London’s Royal Academy with a piece titled ‘In the Balder, Yorkshire’, and the following year, debuted at the Society of British Artists with ‘Departing Day - On the Moors, near High Force, Yorkshire’. The latter became a regular haunt, and over the course of his life, around 100 works were shown.

In 1868, Ellis married Catherine Alice Wood at St John’s Church, Carrington, Basford, and the pair began a relationship which would take them to numerous destinations. It appears, given their frequent relocations, that stability was little more than a fleeting privilege. Often, it’s the case that artists moved to a picturesque area to allow easier access to the scenery, while also connecting with local dealers.

For a time, he lived in Guernsey and worked for the French Romantic author, Victor Hugo (Les Misérables). It’s plausible that he did so upon commission as his works from this period include a series of watercolours depicting the interior of Hugo’s residence. He also toured North Wales, Surrey and Northumberland.

His raison d'être was maritime scenes - vessels battered by heaving waves, but he also produced landscapes as we see here.

Edwin Ellis, Moorland (c. 1880)

At the peak of his career, in 1875, Ellis was elected a member of the Society of British Artists, and his prospects were increasingly rosy. He took a family house in Surrey, while retaining his London studio.

However, despite his burgeoning prosperity, towards the end of his career, life became increasingly difficult both on a professional and personal level. It was reported by the local press that he was found to be drinking heavily and declared bankrupt in 1887. A year before his death, his wife petitioned for divorce on the grounds of desertion.

Edwin Ellis remains underrated, given his apparent ability. His oeuvre represents his life, one filled with both calm and turbulent waters, set under an ever-changing, transient canopy.

He’s represented in numerous public collections, including at the V&A Museum.

The author, Steven Hickford, has published an extensive biography at edwinellis.co.uk.

Exhibited

Royal Academy, Royal Society of British Artists, Manchester Art Gallery, Grosvenor Gallery.

Public Collections

Aberystwyth University School of Art, Aberystwyth University School of Art, Atkinson Art Gallery, Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery, Burton Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow Museum, Lambeth Town Hall, Leeds Art Gallery, Leicester Museum & Art Gallery, Manchester Art Gallery, National Trust for Scotland at Hermiston Quay, National Trust at Sunnycroft, Nottingham City Museums & Galleries, Pannett Art Gallery, Perth Art Gallery, University of London, Shipley Art Gallery, The Box at Plymouth, The Hepworth, The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, V&A Museum.

Timeline

1842

Born in Sneinton, Nottinghamshire, to Thomas Ellis, a lace manufacturer, and Ann Ellis (nee Cooke).

Trained at the Nottingham School of Art.

1867

Debuted at the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists.
Debuted at the Royal Academy with ‘In the Balder, Yorkshire’.

1868

Debuted at the Royal Society of British Artists with ‘Departing Day – On the Moors, Near High Force, Yorkshire’.
Married Catherine Alice Wood in Nottingham.

1872

Undertook study tours of Guernsey, Northumberland, North Wales and Yorkshire.

1875

Elected a member of the Royal Society of British Artists.

1880

Moved to Godalming, Surrey.

1881

Undertook a study trip to Hartlepool and Yorkshire.

1884

Moved to Deganwy, North Wales.

1885

Joins the Nottingham Society of Artists.

1886

Moved back to London.

1895

Died in London.