Artist employing a wide range of media, and teacher, born in Bootle, Liverpool. Although McKinlay produced some abstract work, he was mainly a figurative artist with a wide range; portraits of his friends, a period in India, autobiographical subjects, constructions in wood and photojournalism’s impact all featured in his output. He attended Liverpool School of Art, 1946–50, Martin Bell and Karel Vogel being important teachers. From 1953–8 he painted scenery at Liverpool Playhouse, being assistant designer there, 1958–60. From 1960 held a number of full- or part-time teaching posts in the northwest of England, from 1970–91 being a senior lecturer at Manchester Polytechnic. Public work included Tagore Theatre at Ahmedabad, India; Royal Liverpool Hospital mural; and visiting artist at Cammell Laird Shipyard, 1993.