Richard Henry Richards b. 10 February 1856

  • Artist (Draughtsman)
Richard Henry Richards, sketcher, calligrapher and draughtsman, died at the age of 20. His masterpiece was considered to be a portrait of Kaiser Wilhelm of Prussia, not painted but composed entirely of different densities of handwriting, describing in German major incidents in the emperor's life. Richards forwarded this to the Kaiser in 1876, who sent him a reward for his admirable efforts, though unfortunately it arrived after his early and untimely death.
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sketcher, calligrapher and draughtsman, was born in Adelaide on 10 February 1856, the only child of John Light Richards, a bootmaker, and his wife Mary A[nne?]. Educated at Prince Alfred College, Richards entered the South Australian Government Survey Department in 1872 as a draughtsman, but was forced to resign through illness. He died at the age of 20, on 15 August 1876, and was buried in West Terrace Cemetery, Adelaide.

Self-taught as an artist, Richards drew in pen-and-ink from youth, reputedly with precocious brilliance, his drawings being greatly admired by his fellow workers in the civil service. Recorded examples are The Fawn , London in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth , and a facsimile of a map by George French Angas, all unlocated. His masterpiece was considered to be a portrait of Kaiser Wilhelm of Prussia, not painted but composed entirely of different densities of handwriting, describing in German major incidents in the emperor’s life. Richards forwarded this to the Kaiser in 1876, who sent him a reward for his admirable efforts. It arrived, alas, after Richard’s death. His biographer, Loyau, enthused in 1883 that 'the bent of his genius was wonderful’ and noted that examples of his work then remained with his parents in Adelaide.

Writers:
Staff Writer
Date written:
1992
Last updated:
2011

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