Born in Leeds, Richard Morrel Staigg first studied drawing in an architect's office in that city before coming to the United States with his family in 1831. The Staigg family settled in Newport, R.I. where Richard began to study painting with portrait artist, Jane Stuart, the daughter of Gilbert Stuart. Staigg later moved to Boston, likely through the suggestion of Jane Stuart, who maintained a studio there. In Boston, Staigg continued his studies under the direction of Washington Allston. Staigg began exhibiting his portraits, primarily miniatures, in Boston in 1841.
Staigg continued to live in Boston, except for some time spent working in Baltimore in 1845, until about 1853 when he moved to New York City. The artist remained in New York, while making occassional visits to Newport, for about a decade. By 1865 he was back in Boston. Staigg visited Paris in 1867, remaining there until returning to Boston by 1870. In 1872 he made a second trip to Europe. By 1875 Staigg was living in Newport, where he remained before returning to Boston in 1879. He died while visiting Newport.
Staigg, primarily known for his portraits, took up genre and landscape painting in the early 1860s. In addition to his American exhibitions, he also showed at the Royal Academy in London, and the Paris Salon. Though he lived most of his life in Boston, Staigg maintained a life long commitment to the NAD where he first exhibited in 1851. Upon his death the Council sent these words of condolence to his widow:
The Academy have entered upon their minutes the record of this sad event and their testimony to the many virtues and distinguished gifts of their departed friend whose life in its blameless cour[age?} and whose works in their varied field[s?], were alike honorable to his memory and to the arts and a worthy example to all who followed him.
His brother Artists will not forget the pure heart and the cultured mind which deservedly gave him so much good influence among his fellow men, and they will always remember with pride the sincere and earnest professional labour which was ever in full accord with his refined and simple nature, and which enabled him to leave behind him so many admirable works to assert and maintain his rank in the world of Art.
