Richards was born in Wales near Swansea. He was primarily a painter, lithographer and maker of reliefs, his work often inspired by music and poetry. In 1924 he won a scholarship to study at the Royal College of Art in London. He became a recognised surrealist, illustrated the poems of fellow Welshman, Dylan Thomas, taught at many schools of art, includingthe Slade and was a Trustee of the Tate Gallery.

Ceri Richards was 26 when he created the Magic Horse, his first major work. He remains the only artist to tackle the surreal subject of the Arabian Nights in a surreal style.