Clifford Ellis (1907-1985)

Born in Bognor in Sussex and trained at St Martin’s School of Art and Regent Street Polytechnic, Ellis was a graphic artist and illustrator who is best known for the posters he produced for London Transport during the 1930s. He generally collaborated with his wife Rosemary – whom he married in 1931 – on their posters. The General Post Office, Shell, and The Empire Marketing Board were also clients for their posters. They signed their posters C&RE, their initials being in alphabetical order and they are readily recognisable by their ebullient use of colour and form.

Employed during the war as a camoufleur, along with so many other artists, Clifford was also an official war artist, serving with the Grenadier Guards. Rosemary, meanwhile, was an artist for the Recording Britain project.

Following the war they trained art teachers at Bath Academy of Art. They also designed a series of nearly one hundred book jackets for Collins New Naturalist series, published between 1945 and 1982.

Running an art college, Ellis did not want to train artists who then ended up as teachers because they could not find work as artists. Instead he sought to train them as art teachers which gave them an alternative if they failed to make it as artists. Bath was staffed with artists who are household names today. Upon the outbreak of war, William Scott returned to England from France and sought employment from Ellis, being given a part-time job. After serving in the Royal Engineers he returned to the staff in 1946.

Kenneth Armitage, (who ended the war as a Major having specialised in recognition of tanks, aircraft and other machines of war – which he regarded as fitting neatly with his interest in sculpture) took on teaching sculpture from 1946 – William Turnbull standing in for him whilst he taught for a few months. Early in the 1950s, Scott suggested Peter Lanyon, Bryan Wynter and Terry Frost be approached to teach and Ellis gave them part-time roles, two or three days per week, or six-week blocks of teaching. Amongst other household names feature Robyn Denny, Gillian Ayres, and Adrian Heath.

The influences of some of these artists may be seen in the abstract paintings, although a common thread – Ellis’s hand – ties the works together, some of Scott may perhaps be seen in the spotty works and Lanyon perhaps in the Collages. The Sailing Boats are interesting, as – turned on their side – they look very much like a Terry Frost ‘Walk Along A Quay’ yet the sketches make it quite clear which way round they were to be. Meanwhile the landscape works with clearly defined patchworks are strangely reminiscent of Adrian Heath’s works of the late 1950s and early 1960s.

The Ice Age series of works are sketches for designs. The final very large oil painting for Number III – entitled Advance of an Ice Age – was sold to Derbyshire School Library Service and may be seen on the Art UK website by clicking here.

An article on Clifford Ellis by Dr Kitty Cole can be seen by clicking here.

  • Clifford Ellis (1907-1985)

    Curlew I

    Pencil, 1940s/1950s In a Nicholson butt-jointed frame Provenance: the family of the artist, by descent. Click here for biographical details and other works by the artist. Clifford and Rosemary Ellis were famous as a husband and wife team for their fascination with nature and their vibrant and charming depictions of animals. They were the natural artists to be commissioned by Collins for their 'New Naturalists' series of books, which have become famous and highly collectable more for the dust jackets designed by the Ellises than for the - otherwise excellent - content. This painting is from a recently discovered series of paintings and drawings, never before seen by the general public, dating from the 1940s and 1950s. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • Clifford Ellis (1907-1985)

    Curlew II

    Pencil, 1940s/1950s In a Nicholson butt-jointed frame Provenance: the family of the artist, by descent. Click here for biographical details and other works by the artist. Clifford and Rosemary Ellis were famous as a husband and wife team for their fascination with nature and their vibrant and charming depictions of animals. They were the natural artists to be commissioned by Collins for their 'New Naturalists' series of books, which have become famous and highly collectable more for the dust jackets designed by the Ellises than for the - otherwise excellent - content. This painting is from a recently discovered series of paintings and drawings, never before seen by the general public, dating from the 1940s and 1950s. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • Rosemary Ellis (1910-1988) Snail X

    5x7cm Pen, ink and watercolour On antique laid paper, watermarked 'T Edmonds 1814' Provenance: the family of the artist, by descent.
    Click here for biographical details and other works by the artist. Clifford and Rosemary Ellis were famous as a husband and wife team for their fascination with nature and their vibrant and charming depictions of animals. They were the natural artists to be commissioned by Collins for their ‘New Naturalists’ series of books, which have become famous and highly collectable more for the dust jackets designed by the Ellises than for the – otherwise excellent – content. This painting is from a recently discovered series of paintings and drawings, never before seen by the general public, dating from the 1940s and 1950s. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Condition: Generally very Good.
  • Rosemary Ellis (1910-1988) Snail XI

    5x8cm Pen, ink and watercolour On antique laid paper, watermarked 'T Edmonds 1814' Provenance: the family of the artist, by descent.
    Click here for biographical details and other works by the artist. Clifford and Rosemary Ellis were famous as a husband and wife team for their fascination with nature and their vibrant and charming depictions of animals. They were the natural artists to be commissioned by Collins for their ‘New Naturalists’ series of books, which have become famous and highly collectable more for the dust jackets designed by the Ellises than for the – otherwise excellent – content. This painting is from a recently discovered series of paintings and drawings, never before seen by the general public, dating from the 1940s and 1950s. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Condition: Generally very Good.
  • Rosemary Ellis (1910-1988) Snail XII

    6x6.5cm Pen, ink and watercolour On antique laid paper, watermarked 'T Edmonds 1814' Provenance: the family of the artist, by descent.
    Click here for biographical details and other works by the artist. Clifford and Rosemary Ellis were famous as a husband and wife team for their fascination with nature and their vibrant and charming depictions of animals. They were the natural artists to be commissioned by Collins for their ‘New Naturalists’ series of books, which have become famous and highly collectable more for the dust jackets designed by the Ellises than for the – otherwise excellent – content. This painting is from a recently discovered series of paintings and drawings, never before seen by the general public, dating from the 1940s and 1950s. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Condition: Generally very Good.
  • Rosemary Ellis (1910-1988) Snail XIII

    8x9.5cm Pen, ink and watercolour On antique laid paper, watermarked 'T Edmonds 1814' Provenance: the family of the artist, by descent.
    Click here for biographical details and other works by the artist. Clifford and Rosemary Ellis were famous as a husband and wife team for their fascination with nature and their vibrant and charming depictions of animals. They were the natural artists to be commissioned by Collins for their ‘New Naturalists’ series of books, which have become famous and highly collectable more for the dust jackets designed by the Ellises than for the – otherwise excellent – content. This painting is from a recently discovered series of paintings and drawings, never before seen by the general public, dating from the 1940s and 1950s. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Condition: Generally very Good.
  • Rosemary Ellis (1910-1988) Snail XIV

    11x4.5cm Pen, ink and watercolour On antique laid paper, watermarked 'T Edmonds 1814' Provenance: the family of the artist, by descent.
    Click here for biographical details and other works by the artist. Clifford and Rosemary Ellis were famous as a husband and wife team for their fascination with nature and their vibrant and charming depictions of animals. They were the natural artists to be commissioned by Collins for their ‘New Naturalists’ series of books, which have become famous and highly collectable more for the dust jackets designed by the Ellises than for the – otherwise excellent – content. This painting is from a recently discovered series of paintings and drawings, never before seen by the general public, dating from the 1940s and 1950s. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Condition: Generally very Good.
  • Rosemary Ellis (1910-1988) Snail XV

    7.5x5.5cm Pen, ink and watercolour On antique laid paper, watermarked 'T Edmonds 1814' Provenance: the family of the artist, by descent.
    Click here for biographical details and other works by the artist. Clifford and Rosemary Ellis were famous as a husband and wife team for their fascination with nature and their vibrant and charming depictions of animals. They were the natural artists to be commissioned by Collins for their ‘New Naturalists’ series of books, which have become famous and highly collectable more for the dust jackets designed by the Ellises than for the – otherwise excellent – content. This painting is from a recently discovered series of paintings and drawings, never before seen by the general public, dating from the 1940s and 1950s. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Condition: Generally very Good.
  • Rosemary Ellis (1910-1988) Snail XVI

    4x7cm Pen, ink and watercolour On antique laid paper, watermarked 'T Edmonds 1814' Provenance: the family of the artist, by descent.
    Click here for biographical details and other works by the artist. Clifford and Rosemary Ellis were famous as a husband and wife team for their fascination with nature and their vibrant and charming depictions of animals. They were the natural artists to be commissioned by Collins for their ‘New Naturalists’ series of books, which have become famous and highly collectable more for the dust jackets designed by the Ellises than for the – otherwise excellent – content. This painting is from a recently discovered series of paintings and drawings, never before seen by the general public, dating from the 1940s and 1950s. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Condition: Generally very Good.
  • Rosemary Ellis (1910-1988) Snail XVII

    5x7cm Pen, ink and watercolour On antique laid paper, watermarked 'T Edmonds 1814' Provenance: the family of the artist, by descent.
    Click here for biographical details and other works by the artist. Clifford and Rosemary Ellis were famous as a husband and wife team for their fascination with nature and their vibrant and charming depictions of animals. They were the natural artists to be commissioned by Collins for their ‘New Naturalists’ series of books, which have become famous and highly collectable more for the dust jackets designed by the Ellises than for the – otherwise excellent – content. This painting is from a recently discovered series of paintings and drawings, never before seen by the general public, dating from the 1940s and 1950s. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Condition: Generally very Good.
  • Rosemary Ellis (1910-1988) Snail XVIII

    7.5x18cm Pen, ink and watercolour On antique laid paper, watermarked 'T Edmonds 1814' Provenance: the family of the artist, by descent.
    Click here for biographical details and other works by the artist. Clifford and Rosemary Ellis were famous as a husband and wife team for their fascination with nature and their vibrant and charming depictions of animals. They were the natural artists to be commissioned by Collins for their ‘New Naturalists’ series of books, which have become famous and highly collectable more for the dust jackets designed by the Ellises than for the – otherwise excellent – content. This painting is from a recently discovered series of paintings and drawings, never before seen by the general public, dating from the 1940s and 1950s. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Condition: Generally very Good.
  • Clifford Ellis (1907-1985) Broad Chalke, Wiltshire

    20x33cm Carbon pencil Provenance: the family of the artist, by descent. Born in Bognor in Sussex and trained at St Martin’s School of Art and Regent Street Polytechnic, Ellis was a graphic artist and illustrator who is best known for the posters he produced for London Transport during the 1930s. He generally collaborated with his wife Rosemary – whom he married in 1931 – on their posters. The General Post Office, Shell, and The Empire Marketing Board were also clients for their posters. They signed their posters C&RE, their initials being in alphabetical order and they are readily recognisable by their ebullient use of colour and form. Employed during the war as a camoufleur, along with so many other artists, Clifford was also an official war artist, serving with the Grenadier Guards. Rosemary, meanwhile, was an artist for the Recording Britain project. Following the war they trained art teachers at Bath Academy of Art. They also designed a series of nearly one hundred book jackets for Collins New Naturalist series, published between 1945 and 1982 and were always fascinated by animals and natural history, as with this sketch. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Condition: Generally very good.
  • Rosemary Ellis (1910-1988) Snail on Leaf

    15x24cm Linocut
    Provenance: the family of the artist, by descent. Click here for biographical details and other works by the artist. Clifford and Rosemary Ellis were famous as a husband and wife team for their fascination with nature and their vibrant and charming depictions of animals. They were the natural artists to be commissioned by Collins for their ‘New Naturalists’ series of books, which have become famous and highly collectable more for the dust jackets designed by the Ellises than for the – otherwise excellent – content. This painting is from a recently discovered series of paintings and drawings, never before seen by the general public, dating from the 1940s and 1950s. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Condition: Good, rough edges as done by artist.
  • Rosemary Ellis (1910-1988) Snail Sitting Up

    23.5x17cm Linocut Provenance: the family of the artist, by descent. Rosemary Ellis (1910-1988)
    Click here for biographical details and other works by the artist. Clifford and Rosemary Ellis were famous as a husband and wife team for their fascination with nature and their vibrant and charming depictions of animals. They were the natural artists to be commissioned by Collins for their ‘New Naturalists’ series of books, which have become famous and highly collectable more for the dust jackets designed by the Ellises than for the – otherwise excellent – content. This painting is from a recently discovered series of paintings and drawings, never before seen by the general public, dating from the 1940s and 1950s. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Condition: Good, rough edges as done by artist.
  • Clifford Ellis

    Untitled III

    Pencil drawing 13x16cm Provenance: the family of the artist, by descent. Click here for biographical details and other works by the artist. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • Clifford Ellis (1907-1985)

    Sketch for Sailing Boats I

    Pencil 9x17cm Provenance: the family of the artist, by descent. Click here for biographical details and other works by the artist. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • Clifford Ellis (1907-1985) Swallow

    16x25cm Watercolour and pencil Provenance: the family of the artist, by descent. Born in Bognor in Sussex and trained at St Martin’s School of Art and Regent Street Polytechnic, Ellis was a graphic artist and illustrator who is best known for the posters he produced for London Transport during the 1930s. He generally collaborated with his wife Rosemary – whom he married in 1931 – on their posters. The General Post Office, Shell, and The Empire Marketing Board were also clients for their posters. They signed their posters C&RE, their initials being in alphabetical order and they are readily recognisable by their ebullient use of colour and form. Employed during the war as a camoufleur, along with so many other artists, Clifford was also an official war artist, serving with the Grenadier Guards. Rosemary, meanwhile, was an artist for the Recording Britain project. Following the war they trained art teachers at Bath Academy of Art. They also designed a series of nearly one hundred book jackets for Collins New Naturalist series, published between 1945 and 1982 and were always fascinated by animals and natural history, as with this sketch. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Condition: Generally very good.
  • Clifford Ellis (1907-1985)

    Deer I

    Pencil, 1940s/1950s 12x20cm In a Nicholson butt-jointed frame Provenance: the family of the artist, by descent. Click here for biographical details and other works by the artist. Clifford and Rosemary Ellis were famous as a husband and wife team for their fascination with nature and their vibrant and charming depictions of animals. They were the natural artists to be commissioned by Collins for their 'New Naturalists' series of books, which have become famous and highly collectable more for the dust jackets designed by the Ellises than for the - otherwise excellent - content. This painting is from a recently discovered series of paintings and drawings, never before seen by the general public, dating from the 1940s and 1950s. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • Clifford Ellis (1907-1985)

    Bufo the Toad

    Pencil, 1950s 11x14cm In a Nicholson butt-jointed frame Provenance: the family of the artist, by descent. Click here for biographical details and other works by the artist. Clifford and Rosemary Ellis were famous as a husband and wife team for their fascination with nature and their vibrant and charming depictions of animals. They were the natural artists to be commissioned by Collins for their 'New Naturalists' series of books, which have become famous and highly collectable more for the dust jackets designed by the Ellises than for the - otherwise excellent - content. This painting is from a recently discovered series of paintings and drawings, never before seen by the general public, dating from the 1940s and 1950s. "Old Bufo is the biggest Toad. He is very tame and always knows that when I make a special scratching noise he will get fed." Clifford and Rosemary wrote a series of illustrated books for young children including this one featuring Bufo. Although never published they are now held by the Victoria Art Gallery in Bath. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • Clifford Ellis (1907-1985)

    Chico the Red Panda

    Pencil, 1950s 16x30cm In a Nicholson butt-jointed frame Provenance: the family of the artist, by descent. Click here for biographical details and other works by the artist. Clifford and Rosemary Ellis were famous as a husband and wife team for their fascination with nature and their vibrant and charming depictions of animals. They were the natural artists to be commissioned by Collins for their 'New Naturalists' series of books, which have become famous and highly collectable more for the dust jackets designed by the Ellises than for the - otherwise excellent - content. This painting is from a recently discovered series of paintings and drawings, never before seen by the general public, dating from the 1940s and 1950s. Clifford and Rosemary wrote a series of illustrated books for young children including this one featuring Chico. Although never published they are now held by the Victoria Art Gallery in Bath. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • Clifford Ellis (1907-1985) William the Pug - facing right

    31x36cm including frame 13x19cm excluding frame Pencil sketch Provenance: the family of the artist, by descent. Born in Bognor in Sussex and trained at St Martin’s School of Art and Regent Street Polytechnic, Ellis was a graphic artist and illustrator who is best known for the posters he produced for London Transport during the 1930s. He generally collaborated with his wife Rosemary – whom he married in 1931 – on their posters. The General Post Office, Shell, and The Empire Marketing Board were also clients for their posters. They signed their posters C&RE, their initials being in alphabetical order and they are readily recognisable by their ebullient use of colour and form. Employed during the war as a camoufleur, along with so many other artists, Clifford was also an official war artist, serving with the Grenadier Guards. Rosemary, meanwhile, was an artist for the Recording Britain project. Following the war they trained art teachers at Bath Academy of Art. They also designed a series of nearly one hundred book jackets for Collins New Naturalist series, published between 1945 and 1982 and were always fascinated by animals and natural history, as with this sketch. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Condition: Good. In hand-finished Nicholson butt-jointed frame.
  • Clifford Ellis (1907-1985) William the Pug - on the Table

    36x25cm including frame 17x17cm excluding frame Pencil sketch Provenance: the family of the artist, by descent. Born in Bognor in Sussex and trained at St Martin’s School of Art and Regent Street Polytechnic, Ellis was a graphic artist and illustrator who is best known for the posters he produced for London Transport during the 1930s. He generally collaborated with his wife Rosemary – whom he married in 1931 – on their posters. The General Post Office, Shell, and The Empire Marketing Board were also clients for their posters. They signed their posters C&RE, their initials being in alphabetical order and they are readily recognisable by their ebullient use of colour and form. Employed during the war as a camoufleur, along with so many other artists, Clifford was also an official war artist, serving with the Grenadier Guards. Rosemary, meanwhile, was an artist for the Recording Britain project. Following the war they trained art teachers at Bath Academy of Art. They also designed a series of nearly one hundred book jackets for Collins New Naturalist series, published between 1945 and 1982 and were always fascinated by animals and natural history, as with this sketch. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Condition: Good. In hand-finished Nicholson butt-jointed frame. Some toning to paper.
  • Clifford Ellis (1907-1985) Sheep

    18x18cm Charcoal Provenance: the family of the artist, by descent.
    Click here for biographical details and other works by the artist. Clifford and Rosemary Ellis were famous as a husband and wife team for their fascination with nature and their vibrant and charming depictions of animals. They were the natural artists to be commissioned by Collins for their ‘New Naturalists’ series of books, which have become famous and highly collectable more for the dust jackets designed by the Ellises than for the – otherwise excellent – content. This painting is from a recently discovered series of paintings and drawings, never before seen by the general public, dating from the 1940s and 1950s. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Condition: Generally very Good.
  • Clifford Ellis (1907-1985) Snow Laden Branch

    44.5x51cm Watercolour and Pen Provenance: the family of the artist, by descent.
    Click here for biographical details and other works by the artist. Clifford and Rosemary Ellis were famous as a husband and wife team for their fascination with nature and their vibrant and charming depictions of animals. They were the natural artists to be commissioned by Collins for their ‘New Naturalists’ series of books, which have become famous and highly collectable more for the dust jackets designed by the Ellises than for the – otherwise excellent – content. This painting is from a recently discovered series of paintings and drawings, never before seen by the general public, dating from the 1940s and 1950s. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Condition: Generally very Good.
  • Clifford Ellis (1907-1985)

    Swallow

    Pencil, 1950s 17.5x21.5 cm In a Nicholson butt-jointed frame Provenance: the family of the artist, by descent. Click here for biographical details and other works by the artist. Clifford and Rosemary Ellis were famous as a husband and wife team for their fascination with nature and their vibrant and charming depictions of animals. They were the natural artists to be commissioned by Collins for their 'New Naturalists' series of books, which have become famous and highly collectable more for the dust jackets designed by the Ellises than for the - otherwise excellent - content. This painting is from a recently discovered series of paintings and drawings, never before seen by the general public, dating from the 1940s and 1950s. Clifford and Rosemary wrote a series of illustrated books for young children including this one featuring Chico. Although never published they are now held by the Victoria Art Gallery in Bath. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • Clifford Ellis (1907-1985) Goat

    Coloured Pencil drawing 19x22cm Provenance: the family of the artist, by descent. Click here for biographical details and other works by the artist. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. Condition: Excellent.
  • Rosemary Ellis (1910-1998)

    Snail iv

    Gouache, 1940s/1950s 25x15cm On laid antique paper In a Nicholson butt-jointed frame Provenance: the family of the artist, by descent. Click here for biographical details and other works by the artist. Clifford and Rosemary Ellis were famous as a husband and wife team for their fascination with nature and their vibrant and charming depictions of animals. They were the natural artists to be commissioned by Collins for their 'New Naturalists' series of books, which have become famous and highly collectable more for the dust jackets designed by the Ellises than for the - otherwise excellent - content. This painting is from a recently discovered series of paintings and drawings, never before seen by the general public, dating from the 1940s and 1950s. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • Clifford Ellis

    Sosicles II (1934)

    Watercolour costume design for theatre production. 32x18cm Click here for biographical details and other works by the artist. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • Clifford Ellis (1907-1985)

    Snakes

    Gouache, 1940s/1950s 21x35cm In a Nicholson butt-jointed frame Provenance: the family of the artist, by descent. Click here for biographical details and other works by the artist. Clifford and Rosemary Ellis were famous as a husband and wife team for their fascination with nature and their vibrant and charming depictions of animals. They were the natural artists to be commissioned by Collins for their 'New Naturalists' series of books, which have become famous and highly collectable more for the dust jackets designed by the Ellises than for the - otherwise excellent - content. This painting is from a recently discovered series of paintings and drawings, never before seen by the general public, dating from the 1940s and 1950s. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • Clifford Ellis (1907-1985)

    Autumn in Yellow and Brown

    Gouache 27x15cm Provenance: the family of the artist, by descent. Click here for biographical details and other works by the artist. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • Clifford Ellis (1907-1985)

    Grey Abstract 

    Gouache 10x18cm Provenance: the family of the artist, by descent. Click here for biographical details and other works by the artist. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
  • Clifford Ellis (1907-1985)

    Abstract in Grey I

    Gouache 21x12cm Provenance: the family of the artist, by descent. Click here for biographical details and other works by the artist. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.

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