Ernest Michael Dinkel [also known as Michael E. Dinkel] was born in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, England, on 24 October 1895. He studied at Huddersfield School of Art and then, after military service during World War One, at the Royal College of Art in London from 1921 to 1925. In 1925 he was awarded the Owen Jones Travelling Scholarship enabling him to continue his studies in Italy and France. Dinkel subsequently worked as a painter, graphic designer, glass engraver and stained glass designer.

Among his design commissions were four posters for London Underground (1931-33), inn signs, and engraved glass presented to the conductor Sir Malcolm Sargent.

Dinkel first exhibited at the Royal Academy in London in 1927 and continued to do so regularly until 1976. He also exhibited at the New English Art Club and Royal Society of Painters in Water Colours in London; Royal Cambrian Academy in Conwy, Wales; and at the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh.

He taught at the Royal College of Art in London from 1925 to 1940 and was Principal of Stourbridge School of Art from 1940 to 1947, and head of the School of Design at Edinburgh College of Art from 1947 to 1961.

He was elected a member of the Art Workers Guild in 1931 and an Associate of the Royal Society of Painters in Water Colours (RWS) in 1939. His painting "The Deluge" was purchased by the Chantry Bequest in 1929.

Dinkel was an authority on the wall paintings of Canterbury Cathedral.

He married Kathleen E. Hanks (1908-1936) in 1928 and the artist Emmeline Gerarda M. (Emmy) Keet (1908-2003) in 1941.

His address was given as 14 Kelso Place, Kensington, London in 1927 and 1928; 30 Stavely Road, Chiswick, London in 1929 and 1931; 42 Stavely Road, Chiswick, London in 1933 and 1940; "Hawthornes", Collis Street, Amblecote, Staffordshire in 1941; Island House, Belbroughton, Worcestershire in 1945; 15 Greenhill Place, Edinburgh in 1949 and 19564 St. Margaret's Road, Edinburgh in 1960; and The Grange, Bussage, near Stroud, Gloucestershire in 1964 and 1976. He died on 5 June 1983. His death was registered in Gloucester, Gloucestershire.

_{Text source: Art History Research net (AHR net)}