Situated on the lawns in front of the University of Queensland's heritage-listed façade of the Duhig Building, Mayne Hall opened in March 1973. The building realised the University community's longstanding ambition for a 'Great Hall', a goal dating back at least to a fundraising campaign launched at UQ's fiftieth anniversary in June 1960. Designed by architect Robin Gibson, the Hall incorporated a pipe organ as a central feature and was named in honour of generous benefactors Dr James O'Neil Mayne and his sister Mary Emilia Mayne. While primarily used for graduation ceremonies, it also hosted student orientation sessions, UQ Alumni Book Fairs, career fairs, school visits, musical performances, conventions, and other events by both internal and external hirers. In May 2002, the University announced 'adaptive reuse' plans for the Hall and, following a final School of Music concert in November that year, it closed for major refurbishment. Many events relocated to the UQ Centre. The building reopened in April 2004 as the James and Mary Emilia Mayne Centre and UQ Art Museum. In August 2025, the University announced further refurbishment plans, with Mayne Hall to resume hosting graduations from about late 2026, while the UQ Art Museum would move to a new gallery in Forgan Smith Tower.

Brian Appleford was born on 11 June 1945. He relocated to Queensland from Melbourne and took up a position as Curator of Academic Facilities at the University of Queensland, managing the Mayne Hall from July 1993 to 2002. He was the second and final full-time staff member engaged to manage the Mayne Hall, preceded by Kevin Colbran. He was married to Angela. He passed away on 8 December 2022.