Painter, illustrator, designer and teacher, born in Northampton. Studied at the School of Art there, 1942–7, where his teachers included Frederick Courtney, and then at Royal College of Art, 1949–52, under Rodrigo Moynihan, Ruskin Spear, John Minton and others. He exhibited RA, RWS, AIA, SEA, in New Zealand and America. Had a series of one-man shows in Auckland. Derbyshire Education Committee and galleries in Invercargill and Hamilton, New Zealand, hold his work. For four years from 1953 Ellis taught at Yeovil School of Art, then took a post in 1957 lecturing at Auckland University, where he eventually held a senior post in the fine arts department.