Captain Robert Melville Grindlay FRSA MRAS FZS FRHS FRBS[a] was a British soldier, artist, and banker during the 18th and 19th centuries. Born in London, England he served as an East India Company agent in the Bombay Army, during which time he made a large collection of sketches and drawings of the Indian subcontinent. Upon returning to England he founded the multinational commercial firm Grindlays Bank and various philanthropic initiatives.
Engraving of Capt. R M Grindlay
The Rajah of Cutch with his vassals, by Robert Melville Grindlay, 1826
"Great Excavated Temple at Ellora" 1813
"Great Excavated Temple at Ellora" 1813
The historic overseas bank was established in London in 1828 as Leslie & Grindlay, agents and bankers to the British army and business community in India. Banking operations expanded to include the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East and elements of Africa and Southeast Asia. It was styled Grindlay, Christian & Matthews in 1839, Grindlay & Co from 1843, Grindlay & Co Ltd from 1924 and Grindlays Bank Ltd in 1947 until its merger with the National Bank of India.
Grindlay & Co, 54 & 55 Parliament Street, Westminster on 22 August 1899
Frontage of the historic Grindlays Bank in 2009
Facade of Grindlay & Co headquarters, 54 and 55 Parliament Street, London (2017)
'Grindlay & Co' lettering can still be seen on the railings outside 54 and 55 Parliament Street (2017)
