Robinson Percy Foulds was born in Colne in 1890, the son of a cotton manufacturer. He attended Ackworth School before completing an Honours degree in Chemistry at the University of Manchester, studying under Dixon and Weizman. He worked with R Robinson on his Master of Science at the University of Manchester, publishing papers with Robinson on oxazoles and derivatives of safrol. He went on to become a research chemist, working at the textile company Tootal Broadhurst Lee where he was involved in the development of non-crease fabric.

He lived in Carnforth, was married to Elfrida Vipont Foulds, and died in 1954.