Born in Paddington, London Ella Casella was the sister of Louisa Cornelia (known as Nelia) Casella and together they studied under Alphonse Legros at the Slade School of Fine Art during the early 1880’s. She worked as a medal maker, sculptor, ceramist, illustrator and enameller and showed at the Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society at Leeds City Art Gallery, Royal Academy of Arts and Walker Art Gallery.

In addition to making medals, the sisters contributed illustrations to books listed below. Examples of the Casella Sister’s work are in the collection of the V&A.

Literature:

Dreams, Dances and Disappointments by Gertrude A. Konstam and illustrated by N Casella and E Casella. Published by Thos. de la Rue & Co, London, 1881.

The Maypole by Gertrude A. Konstam and illustrated by N Casella and E Casella. Published by Thos. de la Rue & Co, London, 1882.

The baby’s “dŽ but” by J. Smith and illustrated by N Casella and E Casella. Published by Thos. de la Rue & Co, London, 1883.

With thanks to artbiogs.co.uk