Artist, born in Guadalajura, Spain, father a Scottish engineer, mother a local woman. Had early modelling tuition in Valencia. After Mackinlay’s mother died the family moved to Perth, Australia, about 1909, and when he was 17 Mackinlay – known locally as Mike – began work for a printer, studying at Perth Technical School with Jimmy Linton in the evenings. With other students Stan Cross and Frank Goulding Mackinlay held a show in Perth, raised money and they moved to Chelsea, London, to further their careers. After World War I Army service Mackinlay studied at the Slade School of Fine Art. Between the wars he made a good living, showing at RA, NEAC, Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool and Royal Glasgow Institute of the Fine Arts, illustrating books and handling poster and advertising work, clients including Bovril, the Fifty Shilling Tailors, Nestlé’s chocolate and Bournville cocoa.