Edwin J Embleton, 1907-2000

Edwin Embleton is best known for his work as Studio Manager in the Publications Division of the Ministry of Information during the Second World War.

Born in 1907, he studied at Hornsey School of Art. He began work at Odhams Press in 1924, first as a layout and lettering artist and later becoming Studio Manager. At the outbreak of the Second World War, he was seconded to the Ministry of Information where he became Art Director and Studio Manager, in charge of print and publications for the Ministry, from commission and design to production. By the end of the war, the office comprised dozens of staff, in addition to the artists and designers who were commissioned. They produced an extraordinary range of high quality and effective material, which played an important part in Britain's war effort at home and abroad.

After the war, Embleton returned to Odhams Press, and was awarded an MBE for his war service.

From the guide to the Edwin J Embleton Archive, 1939 - 1945, (University of Brighton Design Archives)