Attended part time classes at Central School of Arts and Crafts. In 1928 joined the family publishing firm B T Batsford. After World War II service in the Royal Air Force rejoined the family firm and took the surname Batsford (his mother's maiden name). Became an illustrator for the British Heritage series. Chairman of Royal Society of Arts in 1973-75. Was a Member of Parliament. Exhibited in Paris. Showed his work at Hayward Gallery in 1983. Retrospective of his work was held at the Parkin Gallery.