Prominent statesman and lawyer.

Cripps, nephew of Beatrice Webb, suffered from poor physical health for most of his life but excelled at law, becoming a leading barrister during the inter-war years. His legal successes impressed Herbert Morrison and in 1929 Cripps joined the Labour Party, following in the footsteps of his father and uncle (Sidney Webb), both of whom were members of Ramsay Macdonald's cabinet.

In 1930 he became solicitor-general and served as MP for East Bristol from 1931 until his death in 1952. His stormy political career embraced leadership of the Socialist League and expulsion from the Labour Party in 1939. He rejoined in 1945 as President of the Board of Trade in Clement Attlee's Labour government. Here he conceived the idea for the 'Britain Can Make It' exhibition held in 1946.

Cripps firmly believed that industrial design was a significant factor in the future of British manufacturing. His strategy was to use the exhibition as a platform to raise British spirits during reconstruction and to tell the world that Britain would compete with all-comers for core export markets.

In 1947 Cripps was made Chancellor until ill health forced his retirement in 1950.