by 52cm Provenance: Anon. Sale; Sotheby's, London, 24th Nov 2005, lot 77 (as 'Attr. Samuel Wale, RA'); Private Collection, UK Richards was a founding member of the Royal Academy where, from 1769 to 1809, he exhibited capricci and topographical views. He was frequently employed to record the grounds of country houses. Like his contemporary Francis Hayman, Richards achieved success as a scene painter at Covent Garden, and from 1777 to 1803 he was the theatre's Principal Painter. In 1788, Richards was elected Secretary of the Royal Academy, a post he held until his death.