AustLit

Thomas Richards was appointed Government Printer of New South Wales in June 1859, having risen through the ranks of the Government Printing Office since becoming an apprentice there at the start of 1845. His appointment was controversial due to his lack of 'London experience', but Richards was a dedicated and hard-working printer. In the 1860s he introduced photo-lithography, stereo-typing and electro-typing to the Government Printing Office, and continually made improvements to the printing processes employed by the Office. Richards was criticised for his publication of works of 'limited public interest', allegations which led to a parliamentary select committee on the Government Priting Office in 1870. Richards defended himself well however, praising the work of the Office, and admitting plans to produce large-scale, ambitious works on New South Wales. In 1881, Richards edited and printed New South Wales in 1881, and the following year produced An Epitome of the Official History of New South Wales. On his retirement in 1886, Richards left a staff of over 400 and an Office which included 61 new departments (ADB).