[4] Relph began his film career in 1933 as an assistant art director under Alfred Junge at Gaumont British then headed by Michael Balcon.

In 1942, Relph began work at Ealing as chief art director, where his designs included the influential 1945 supernatural anthology Dead of Night.

[5] Michael Relph also designed for the theatre, particularly the West End in the 1940s, including The Doctor's Dilemma, A Month in the Country, and The Man Who Came to Dinner.

[6] Their work included a series of social problem films examining issues such as racism (Pool of London and Sapphire), juvenile delinquency (Violent Playground), homosexuality (Victim), and religious intolerance (Life for Ruth).

"[9] In their review of Life For Ruth, The New York Times wrote, "in avoiding blatant bias, mawkish sentimentality and theatrical flamboyance, it makes a statement that is dramatic, powerful and provocative.