R. M. Grindlay

Captain Grindlay was a British soldier who served as an agent of the East India Company from 1803-20, rising through the ranks. During this time he travelled extensively with his regiment and became a self-taught artist. Producing an opulent volume of sketches and drawings concentrated on the Indian sub-continent, he published this compilation under the title Scenery, Costumes and Architecture chiefly on the Western Side of India upon his return to England. The book includes breathtaking landscape and architecture of the cities of Bombay, Hyderabad and Gujarat; the mountains and ancient caves of Western Ghats; Hindu temples, fortresses, tombs and even cultural practices such as sati all meticulously presented in elaborate coloring of deep contrasts, golden hues, soft mist and atmospheric effects with application of the aquatint technique.

He also founded the historic Leslie Grindley, agents and bankers to the British Army and also to commercial businesses in India. Besides that, he took up several other philanthropic initiatives. The bank successfully expanded into the regions of Africa, South East Asia, Middle East and the Indian sub-continent.