After a first degree in archaeology at Edinburgh Ellen embarked on a DPhil in ancient Near Eastern archaeology at Somerville College, Oxford.

She spent 10 years in Jordan, Syria and Iraq, digging and undertaking post-doctoral research on prehistoric figurines. On returning to the UK she gained experience in professional archaeology before taking up posts in museums, latterly as Director of Birmingham Museums. In retirement she is still working on figurines, with breaks for cats, dogs, gardening, cooking and opera.