Alice Mabel Boyes was born in Leeds and studied at Manchester School of Art. She married Edgar Percy Bainbridge in 1893 and they moved to London where she had two daughters. In 1908 and 1909 her paintings were shown at the Royal Academy.

In 1911 Alice first visited Polperro, where she took a studio (Chapel Studio). She and Edgar were divorced in 1919 and she remarried the following year, to Brian Boyes, who was 25 years her senior. The couple lived in Yorkshire so her time in Polperro was restricted. After Brian's death in 1933 she spent a great deal of time in Polperro.

Predominantly an oil painter, her subject matter ranged from portraits and still-life to street and harbour scenes. Her work included a portrait of fellow artist Marian HARBORD. She was a member of the short-lived Polperro Art Society (1938-1939) and remained an integral part of the local community until 1957.