Born in London and having studied at Kingston School of Art (1943-46), Richards and his wife set up the Arch Pottery in St Ives (1950), making slipware, subsequently moving to Cripplesease Pottery at Nancledra near St Ives.

They also worked with Len MISSEN in establishing the Penzance Pottery, until Len's death in an auto accident at Long Rock nr Penzance in 1955.