Series 1 - Personal and biographical

2.84m textual records
Graphic material
Architectural drawings
Publications

B2007-00011 and B2009-0005: The contents of this series consists of ‘biographical notes’, copies of Professor Richards curriculum vitae (1966-2004), articles about him; files on the family tree and the death of his father from ALS; an address book, certificates and honours; memorabilia belonging both to him and his partner, Frederic (Fred) Urban; personal correspondence (primarily with family members and friends but including files on other personal matters and American politicians, including Edward Kennedy and Bill Clinton); some of Frederic’s personal correspondence; files on the various residences that he and Frederic have shared since 1967, including their house in Natchitoches, Louisiana; postcards and greeting cards; a notebook on dreams; day planners; a diary for the first six months of 1959; and journals, correspondence and notes for trips to Europe, various destinations in the United States, and China between 1977 and 2007. The series ends with a collection of items on James Dean, who grew up on a farm a few miles from the Richards’ place and about whom Professor Richards wrote several pieces. Also included are a number of photographs.

Material from accession B2019-0009 mirrors the two previous, however also includes documentation from Richards’ childhood, awards, and personal reflections written to complement the donated archival material. The diaries, agendas and notebooks cover personal trips (professional travel and those related to specific projects are included in relevant series), personal reflections, and dream diaries. Documentation of Richards and Urban’s residences primarily cover their Natchitoches home, including information on sales, renovations, as well as broader engagement in the town and its architectural heritage.

Accession B2023-0001 is a smaller accrual that covered aspects of Prof. Richards personal life, family correspondence, and travel.

Files are arranged in order of the categories mentioned above and chronologically within each category where warranted. There are multiple gaps in the run of day planners and appointment calendars. Readers should note that while some personal correspondence is covered in this series, it is largely represented in Series 3, particularly within the B2009-0005 accession. Please see file listing for additional details.

All files are open with the except of the following: B2019-0009/001(15a). Please contact University Archivist for additional information.