Biography

Reid was born in Leith and worked as an engraver before studying at the Trustee's Academy in Edinburgh. He was primarily a painter of Scottish genre and historical scenes in the manner of Orchardson and Pettie, but he also painted portraits and landscapes. In 1891 Queen Victoria commissioned him to paint a commemorative picture of the christening of one of her grandsons at Balmoral. He lived in Edinburgh and was a member of the Royal Scottish Academy, where he was a regular exhibitor.