This lithograph of two doves was bought from the Reading Guild of Artists Twenty-seventh Annual Exhibition held at the Municipal Art Gallery Reading, May 4 – June 1, 1957. A lithograph is a type of printmaking technique where the artist can use a painterly style to create an image and the printing process uses the properties of oil and water not mixing. 

Marian Annie Ellis was born in Bridgewater, Somerset. In 1939 she lived in Wokingham with her older sister Amy; she had a twin brother by the name of George, who was an analytical chemist. Marian was described as Professional Artist Painter and exhibited with the Royal Academy ten times between 1912-1938, as well as at the New English Art Club and the Society of Women Artists amongst other London exhibitions. She worked in watercolour, tempera and as a lithographer. In 1904 she illustrated Henry Brocken by Walter de la Mare and some 50 years later Private View by the same author.  Marian joined the Reading Guild of Artists in 1957 when she was already in her mid 70s and that same year this work was bought by the Museum. She remained a member until her death in 1969.