Richard Ellis was a British photographer renowned for his extensive documentation of Maltese life from the mid-19th to early 20th centuries. His vast collection of photographs offers invaluable insights into the social, cultural, and architectural history of the Maltese Islands, including Gozo.

Born in 1842 in East London, Ellis was one of thirteen children. As a child, he was apprenticed to circus performers James and Sarah Conroy, and during their time in Paris, Ellis and James developed an interest in photography. In 1861, the troupe settled in Malta, where James Conroy opened a photography studio in Senglea. Ellis worked there as an assistant, developing his photographic skills.

In 1871, Ellis opened his own studio at Strada Stretta in Valletta. In 1910, he moved to a larger location in Strada Reale, today known as Republic Street. He became known for his portraiture, landscapes, and documentation of important events. His clientele included both local residents and visiting dignitaries, including members of European royalty. He was highly regarded for his technical skill and innovation, producing real-photo postcards and mastering the entire photographic process from developing to framing.

Throughout his long career, Ellis created an archive of tens of thousands of images, many of them preserved on glass plate negatives. These photographs offer a rare and detailed record of Malta’s transformation during the British colonial era. Gozo features prominently in his work, with early images of the Azure Window, life in Għarb, and scenes from Mgarr Harbour among the most iconic.

After his death in 1924, the business was continued by his son and later by his grandson, who safeguarded the photographic archive during World War II. In the 1990s, Ellis’s great-grandson undertook the task of digitising and preserving the collection to make it accessible for future generations.

Richard Ellis is remembered as one of Malta’s most important photographers. His work continues to be studied, exhibited, and admired, offering an irreplaceable window into the everyday life and heritage of the Maltese Islands.