My work begins with observations of the natural world. A variety of media used in drawings are translated into many worked samples, sometimes leading to finished pieces.
Artistic History
My grandfather was a tailor and my father an industrial designer.
Art materials were always available at home, and I enjoyed making clothes and producing fashion illustrations.
After ‘A’ levels and completing a foundation course, I went to Manchester Metropolitan University (formerly Polytechnic) gaining a 1st class Honours degree in Textiles/Fashion, with main area of study Embroidery. One design sheet from the chicken series, made during my final year, is part of the Diana Springall Embroidery Collection. https://dianaspringallcollection.co.uk/sally-ellis/
I qualified as an Adult & F.E. teacher and taught on the C &G Embroidery course at Gawthorpe Hall, Lancashire. I have a PGCE (early years) and have taught for over 20 years. In later life I completed the Designer Craftsman course, where my research into painted floorcloths extended my working materials.
The Living Threads Group 