John Inigo Richards (1731 – 1810): A Pioneer of Romantic Landscape Painting John Inigo Richards was a British landscape painter who emerged as one of the foremost figures in the burgeoning Romantic movement, establishing himself as a founding member of the Royal Academy in 1768 and serving as its secretary until his death. His artistic journey began with formal training at St Martin’s Lane Academy in London, where he honed his skills under the tutelage of George Lambert (1700–1765), considered by many to be “the father of English landscape oil painting.” Like fellow artist Francis Hayman, Ri…