He is best known for his book In the Early World a record of the development of his educational philosophy while working at a small country school in Northland, New Zealand from 1949 to 1962.

He then attended Mt Albert Grammar School and following this, undertook a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Auckland, studying geology, chemistry and botany while working part-time as an industrial chemist in the amalgamated brick, pipe and pottery division of Crown Lynn a ceramics manufacturer.

In 1946 he applied to Auckland College of Education and after completing his 'Division A' (Primary/Elementary) course in February 1948, spent his probationary teaching year at Puni School near Pukekohe.

He applied for the remote country position at Oruaiti School in 1949 largely because of its distinct fauna of sea life, but also because the sole-charge posting offered him the opportunity to work out his own ideas about teaching and learning alone.

Using the children’s natural curiosity and interest, Richardson taught them how to observe closely the world around them and to record their new discoveries and their own responses to these.

The book tells the story of how Richardson’s students became increasingly aware of their own capacity for personal expression, while collectively establishing a shared understanding of aesthetic values.

[12] His book was used in teacher education programmes in the United States, particularly in the area of developing reading and writing skills in young children.

He continued to write books on education and scientific papers, which he largely produced in limited editions by hand in his Taupaki printery.

[17] In August 2007, the Auckland Faculty of Education honored Richardson’s work by opening a permanent display of artefacts from Oruaiti School in the main foyer of the building.