Background
Mainds was born in Helensburgh in 1881. His father was the artist W. R. Mainds, who made watercolour sketches of the buildings of Glasgow during the late nineteenth century.
Mainds was born in Helensburgh in 1881. His father was the artist W. R. Mainds, who made watercolour sketches of the buildings of Glasgow during the late nineteenth century.
Glasgow School of Artist
Mainds focused on portrait painting, in addition to watercolours of landscapes and still life subjects. His portraiture subjects included Robert Bolam. Mainds also worked as a designer of costumes and posters, in addition to theatre design.
Mainds served in the First World War with the Royal Field Artillery, reaching the rank of captain, and he is included in the Glasgow School of Art"s First World War Roll of Honour.
In 1931, Mainds became Professor of Fine Art at Armstrong College, which was then part of the Newcastle division of Durham University. He died in 1945.
He was a member of staff at the Glasgow School of Art from 1909 to 1931, and became a member of the Royal Scottish Academy in 1929.