Maker of boxed constructions, painter, draughtsman, printmaker and teacher, born in Bingley, Yorkshire, where he was finally based. Attended Bradford College of Art, 1932–7, then won place at Royal College of Art, 1937–40, where he studied graphic design, illustration and printmaking, his teachers including John Nash, Edward Bawden and Percy Horton. Served widely overseas in World War II in Army, 1940–6. In latter year returned to Royal College of Art on fourth-year scholarship, gained 1940. After teaching part-time at Hammersmith College of Art in 1947, Lee took job as art master at Heckmondwike Grammar School, in 1949 being appointed to Batley School of Art, in 1957 deputy head. From 1969 Lee taught variously at Bingley College of Education, Huddersfield Polytechnic, Bretton College and Bradford and Ilkley College.