A B O U T 

William Ellis is widely acknowledged as having created an important document of the contemporary jazz scene.
His contribution to the culture was recognised by the American Jazz Museum in Kansas City when he was invited to produce the Inaugural International Exhibition in 2005, and where he returned in 2008 to present his work in the 'Jazz in Black and White: Bebop and Beyond' exhibit.
William's work has been exhibited at international festivals and galleries in the U.K. and throughout the world.

His images have been used in the JAM (Jazz Appreciation Month) Outreach program in the United States initiated by the Smithsonian Institution and many of his pictures are in private collections worldwide - including those of the musicians with whom he has worked.  
A number of his photographs are in the permanent collections of The American Jazz Museum, Kansas City MO, The ARChive of Contemporary Music, New York City and The National Portrait Gallery London respectively. 
William's insightful portraits, telling performance and exquisite still life images play their part in creating the visual heritage of today's international music scene.

Exhibitions and WorkshopsMOCK PROJECT:
Photographs are available for exhibition online or as prints  are available for display in two formats. Framed, or as a pop-up type presentation wheh prints are placed in vinyl sleeves and placed on walls or lightweight boards.
William Ellis is available for talks and workshops on portraiture, music photography and the One LP Project.

E X H I B I T I O N S

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    2020 


    Documenting Jazz -  International Conference, Birmingham City University 


    Jazzimajaz: Ricoh Imaging Square Ginza, Tokyo 

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    2019

    Jazz Leeds Festival: Jazzimajaz - Leeds College of Music 


    Jazz Photographs: Tokyo Institute of Photography 


    One 45: The Northern Soul Scene book launch - School of Media and the Faculty of Art, Design and Media, Birmingham City University 


    One Love: Reggae - 6th Global Reggae Conference, The University of The West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica 

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    2018 


    The One LP Project: Cadogan Hall, Belgravia, London 


    Miles and Beyond: Omnibus Theatre, Clapham, London 


    For One Night Only: Jazz photographs by Bob Barry and William Ellis, Mr Musichead Gallery, 7420 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA. 


    Jazz Photographs: Penang House of Music Malaysia 

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    2017 


    The One LP Project: Jazz Legends - Scarborough Jazz Festival 

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    2016 


    The One LP Project - Rhythm Changes International Conference: Jazz Utopia - School of Media and the Faculty of Art, Design and Media, Birmingham City University 

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    2015 


    Jazz in Print: with Bob Barry of Los Angeles: The Bowdon Rooms, Altrincham 


    The One LP Project - Britweek Los Angeles 


    Group show - Massive, Brilliant, Mint 

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    2014  


    The One LP Project - ARChive of Contemporary Music, Tribeca, New York  


    Beishan Jazz Festival, China 

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    2013  

    Guinness /Cork International Jazz Festival 

    International Jazz Media Conference - Cube Gallery Manchester 

    Month of Photography, Los Angeles: Frank. M. Doyle Arts Pavilion, Costa Mesa, CA 

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    2012  

    The Forge, London 

    Scarborough International Jazz Festival 

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    2011  

    Liverpool International Photography Festival - Look 2011 - with Terry Cryer  

    The Jazz Bar, Edinburgh 

    Southport Melodic Jazz Weekend 

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    2010  

    Jazz and the Media: Symposium - Birmingham City University , Centre for Reearch and Cultural Studies, School of Art, Birmingham 

    Scarborough International Jazz Festival  

    Penang International Jazz Festival 

    Rockarchive Gallery, London 


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    2009  

    Hong Kong International Jazz Festival 

    Guinness/Cork International Jazz Festival 

    Cornerhouse, Manchester 


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    2008

    Richard Goodall Gallery, Manchester - 'Live at The Bridgewater Hall' 

    American Jazz Museum, Kansas City MO - 'Jazz in Black and White:Bebop and Beyond' with Bob Barry 

    Jazzahead! - Bremen 

    Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester 

    Havana International Jazz Festival 

    Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool 

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    2007  

    The Royal Academy of Arts, London. Modern Works on Paper 

    The National Centre for Early Music, York 

    The Gallery Utrecht 

    Gallery House, Brighton 

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    2006  

    Porter House: Time Warner Centre, New York 

    Brecon International Jazz Festival 

    Leeds College of Music - International Jazz Media Conference 


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    2005  

    American Jazz Museum, Kansas City, MO: Inaugural International Visual Arts Exhibition 

    International Conference, International Association of Jazz Educators, Long Beach CA 

    Southport Jazz Festival 


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    2004  

    Guest Visual Artist: Rembrandtzal, North Sea Jazz Festival, The Hague 

    Blue Note Jazz, Amsterdam 

    International Conference, International Association of Jazz Educators, Hilton, Avenue of the Americas, New York 

    Guest Visual Artist - Glasgow International Jazz Festival 


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    2003  

    Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Joint exhibition with Jürgen Scadeberg. 

    Wigan International Jazz Festival 


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    2002  

    Pizza Express - Stafford 

    Stafford Library


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MOCK PROJECT:
Exhibition at Rock Archive, London.

A B O U T  T H E  P H O T O G R A P H S

                                                                                              I n t r o

Over the past few months I've locked myself away and rediscovered my archive - and a love for making black and white prints in the darkroom.

This is where I began my career 40 years ago. The symbiosis of light and film when a photograph is created - and that of light and paper as the image appears in the dish - astonishes me still, decades on from my first experience of the magic.

Immersing myself in the art and science of making prints - and rediscovering so much in the re-treading of steps - has been an almost mystical experience. I have travelled in time and place from the sanctity of a tardis-like darkroom, crystallising memories, events and meetings along the way.

I have curated a collection of images which were made on film to form the 'Artist's Edition' limited to 20 pieces which I make myself from the original negatives. The digital images - and those photographs I shot on colour film are produced as Archival Pigment Prints using the latest technology. You can read about the print types below if wish to know about the processes and materials used.

I hope very much that you are touched by the images of the immensely talented artists I have been so fortunate to have worked with over the years and that you might consider a piece - or two for your home. 

              Best wishes,

              W i l l i a m  E l l i s,  2 0 2 0


 T H E  A R T I S T' S 
E D I T I O N
S I L V E R  G E L A T I N  P R I N T S
 H A N D M A D E
 by

THE NEGATIVES

The photographs were taken using largely Leica M series and Hasselblad cameras.
Film stock was Kodak Tri-X and Ilford HP5.
The negatives printed in Leitz and De Vere enlargers.

       THE PAPER

 The paper used is gloss Ilford Warmtone Fibre Based Paper.
I selected it because I love the luxuriously rich prints it renders - warm deepest blacks and wonderful creamy whites and all the shades that lay beween.
It might seem a little strange to enthuse so rapturously about such an apparently mundane item as paper: but the print is the ultimate outcome for my work on film and this paper type is the trusty messenger that bears it.

THE PHOTOGRAPHS

Silver gelatin photographs are hand made in the darkroom from the original negative applying a craft process which dates back to the 1880s.
This process is carried out on the fly and requires quicksilver creative judgement and technical skills which are extremely rare in today's digital world.
Each silver gelatin print is in itself a unique piece displaying subtle variations..
The depth of tone and richness of a silver gelatin print have a presence I find absolutely captivating.

Edition embossed, signed and numberedOCK PROJECT:

After being archivally washed the photograph is allowed to air dry naturally.
A traditional hand press embossing stamp is used, the photograph is signed and numbered from an edition of 20.
The photograph is then delivered to the framers for placement in a hand cut mount.

Each photograph in the collection is presented in a hand cut double-thickness conservation mount ready for despatch.OdCK PROJECT:


T h e  Ar t i s t' s 
E d i t i o n 

-  P r e v i e w

THE GALLERIES

Artist's Edition prints are made in 3 sizes so that you can chose the one that best suits your home or office.

THE PRESENTATION

The photograph is signed, titled numbered and embossed 'Artist's Edition'.
Each is presented ready for framing in an elegant hand-cut double-thickness conservation grade window mount which is neutral in colour and lightly textured.

SIZES & PRICES

Handmade Silver Gelatin Photographs

Image size: 7.5 x 5" - made on 10 x 8"" paper
From an Edition of 20
In 20 x 16" double-thickness archival mount
£195.00

Image size: 12 x 8" - made on 14 x 11" paper
From an Edition of 20
In 20 x 16" double-thickness archival mount
£350.00

Image size: 18 x 12" - made on 24 x 20" paper
From an Edition of 20
In 24 x 20" double-thickness archival mount
£495.00

All sizes are approximate.

ENQUIRE View Galleries

The Picture | The Story
Wayne Shorter

Wayne Shorter - composer, tenor and soprano saxophone,
Herbie Hancock said of him when both he and Mr Shorter were in Miles Davis' 'Second Great Quintet': 
"The master writer to me, in that group, was Wayne Shorter. He still is a master. Wayne was one of the few people who brought music to Miles that didn't get changed."
This photograph was taken at a small club where I was able to get close and fill the frame using a short telephoto lens - 110/2 on a Hasselblad camera.
This lens when used at maximum aperture produces an image with very little depth of field, as you can see.
This property - along with the lighting produces an almost 3 dimensional look to the image.
This look is further enhanced when the negative is made into a silver gelatin print - no screen can reproduce the richness and depth of coal black and shimmering silvers that this type of print exhibits.

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A R C H I V A L  P I G M E N T  P R I N T S 

Limited Edition Archival Pigment Prints are made on heavyweight paper and are produced with the latest digital technology using state of the art wide format printers. Pigment inks are used to ensure archival properties: an extended tonal range to ensure a consistent true to the original rendition of both colour and monochrome images throughout the edition. The Hahnemühle FineArt paper used is acid- and lignin-free and conforms to ISO 9706 - museum quality for highest age resistance.

 

P r e v i e w


The Picture | The Story
Miles Davis

I photographed Miles Davis twice. This is from the first shoot and the image is from a scanned colour negative exposed in a Hasselblad camera.
I like it very much in colour but prefer it as a black and white photograph - Miles seems to be hearing the notes before they are made. Such drama.
I believe that like music, a photograph is nothing without emotion.
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The Picture | The Story
Herbie Hancock

Herbie Hancock is one of the few musical chameleons who have created music that is innovative and soulful in whichever iteration he chooses to perform.
The first time I photographed Mr Hancock was in 1992 when he was appearing on the Miles Davis Tribute Tour.
The group consisted Miles' protégé Wallace Roney on trumpet and what is often referred to as Miles' 'Second Great Quintet'. One of the greatest ensembles in jazz history - Ron Carter - bass, Wayne Shorter - sax, Tony Williams - drums.
I had spoken with Mr Hancock earlier and had given him a print from the Glasgow concert and one of the stage portrait of Miles.
After the sound check and the band had left the stage I was able to make a series of portraits and was privileged to be the only person onstage as he ran through a piece solo - as you can see, shooting from the end of the Fazioli Grand - it was very difficult not to be wrapped up in the luxuriant sound of the music as I leaned into the piano to take some of the photographs.
A very memorable shoot - and an amazing concert.
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The Picture | The Story
Jamie Cullum

One of the fundamental challenges faced when photographing a concert is as you might suppose - the lighting.
There is no consistency in terms of colour, intensity and placement and of course the photographer has no control over this. This is often frustrating but actually it is just part of the challenge and excitement of creating images of an artist that attempt to capture the spirit and excitement of a great live performance - in close up..
Jamie Cullum is one dynamic performer, I love his energy and showmanship. This shoot was part of a commission for the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester which was to document the many genres of music presented at the world-class venue.
I wish we were all back there now right now.
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The Picture | The Story
Liza Minnelli

Cinematic and Musical Royalty
A unique, irrepressible, irresistible force of nature.
There were two other photographers stage right as we waited for Miss Minnelli to appear - as whenever possible I set up on my own, stage left.
After the big show biz build up and first song was coming to it's end I was still shooting and as I am I hear the words from Miss Minnelli as she's looking at me and in front of the full house of around 2,500 people I hear -
"Hey cutie - would you like to move to this side."
She was pointing to the area where the other photographers were working.
It didn't sound like an invitation - more like a request graciously stated, so of course I decided I would like to move sides.
It was a fabulous concert by a giant of the entertainment world - and a story for the book.



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                                                                                                E X H I B I T I O N S
2020
Documenting Jazz: International Conference, Birmingham City University
Jazzimajaz: Ricoh Imaging Square Ginza, Tokyo
2019
Jazz Leeds Festival: Jazzimajaz - Leeds College of Music
Jazz Photographs: Tokyo Institute of Photography
One 45: The Northern Soul Scene book launch - School of Media and the Faculty of Art, Design and Media, Birmingham City University
One Love: Reggae - 6th Global Reggae Conference, The University of The West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica
2018
The One LP Project: Cadogan Hall, Belgravia, London
Miles and Beyond: Omnibus Theatre, Clapham, London
For One Night Only: Jazz photographs by Bob Barry and William Ellis, Mr Musichead Gallery, 7420 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA.
Jazz Photographs: Penang House of Music Malaysia
2017
The One LP Project: Jazz Legends - Scarborough Jazz Festival
2016
The One LP Project - Rhythm Changes International Conference: Jazz Utopia - School of Media and the Faculty of Art, Design and Media, Birmingham City University
2015
Jazz in Print: with Bob Barry of Los Angeles: The Bowdon Rooms, Altrincham
The One LP Project - Britweek Los Angeles
Group show - Massive, Brilliant, Mint
2014  
The One LP Project - ARChive of Contemporary Music, Tribeca, New York  
Beishan Jazz Festival, China
2013  
Guinness /Cork International Jazz Festival
International Jazz Media Conference - Cube Gallery Manchester
Month of Photography, Los Angeles: Frank. M. Doyle Arts Pavilion, Costa Mesa, CA
2012  
The Forge, London
Scarborough International Jazz Festival
2011  
Liverpool International Photography Festival - Look 2011 - with Terry Cryer  
The Jazz Bar, Edinburgh
Southport Melodic Jazz Weekend
2010  
Jazz and the Media: Symposium - Birmingham City University , Centre for Reearch and Cultural Studies, School of Art, Birmingham
Scarborough International Jazz Festival  
Penang International Jazz Festival
Rockarchive Gallery, London
2009  
Hong Kong International Jazz Festival
Guinness/Cork International Jazz Festival
Cornerhouse, Manchester
2008  
Richard Goodall Gallery, Manchester - 'Live at The Bridgewater Hall'
American Jazz Museum, Kansas City MO - 'Jazz in Black and White:Bebop and Beyond' with Bob Barry
Jazzahead! - Bremen
Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester
Havana International Jazz Festival
Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool
2007  
The Royal Academy of Arts, London. Modern Works on Paper
The National Centre for Early Music, York
The Gallery Utrecht
Gallery House, Brighton
2006  
Porter House: Time Warner Centre, New York
Brecon International Jazz Festival
Leeds College of Music - International Jazz Media Conference
2005  
American Jazz Museum, Kansas City, MO: Inaugural International Visual Arts Exhibition
International Conference, International Association of Jazz Educators, Long Beach CA
Southport Jazz Festival
2004  
Guest Visual Artist: Rembrandtzal, North Sea Jazz Festival, The Hague
Blue Note Jazz, Amsterdam
International Conference, International Association of Jazz Educators, Hilton, Avenue of the Americas, New York
Guest Visual Artist - Glasgow International Jazz Festival
2003  
Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Joint exhibition with Jürgen Scadeberg.
Wigan International Jazz Festival
2002  
Pizza Express - Stafford
Stafford Library