Abstract: Betts process for electrolytically refining lead from crude lead containing bismuth is improved by the use of crude lead anodes containing as impurities 0.8 to 1.3 % by weight of antimony, 0.6 % by weight or less of bismuth, 0.1 % by weight or less of copper and 0.05 % by weight or less of tin, the ratio of the sum of the contents of antimony and arsenic to the content of bismuth being 2.0 or more, whereby producing electrolytically deposited lead which is feasible for being refined into a purity of 99.999 % or more when being subjected to the Harris process. The Betts process can be effected in a large-sized electrolytic cel containing corresponding electrodes by the use of high purity lead cathodes having at the centers many wrinkles capable of absorbing residual strain.