Richards came from London and was educated at Owen's School and Trinity Hall, Cambridge.
He began to write the official history of the RAF during World War II when he was the senior narrator.
[1] After his time in the RAF, and whilst completing the official history, he became involved with Morley College in south London.
The college benefitted from paintings he commissioned, and many young musicians later to find fame, took part in concerts he staged.
He also engaged in voluntary work, chairing the Women's League for Health and Beauty for 22 years between 1966 and 1988 and also acting as a vice president of the Purcell School of Young Musicians from 1984 until his death.