Sophie-Elizabeth Thompson brings her ideas to life in a range of materials, including bronze, marble and resin. Exhibited all over the world, particularly in China and Japan, her striking conceptual pieces are, she says, the result of ‘an instinctive process where no thoughts can penetrate the subconscious mind and allows inspiration to flow into form’. Abstract in the purest sense of the word, her work is inspired by both the natural and the man-made; delicate bone forms, industrial architectural structures, fluidity and negative space between objects.
For this exciting project, it was the light and shadow on rippling water that provided artistic inspiration. ‘I live by the sea and took photographs of how it rests against the sand. It leaves beautiful, calm, flowing indents,’ she adds.
This was a new type of artistic collaboration; instead of delegating the design to the artist, the design team at Victoria & Albert Baths asked her to conceive sculptural forms that would provide inspiration for a bath, a vessel basin and podium basin. These were brought to life in Quarrycast, a world-class stone composite developed by the company to deliver unrivalled beauty and durability. It’s made from pure, white volcanic limestone that is used for other iconic pieces in the Victoria & Albert collection, including Amiata, Eldon and Ionian.
Look at the history of bathroom design and there’s a tradition of form following function, with the occasional nod to classicism, Art Deco and minimalism. This landmark endeavour for the first time fuses sculptural form with beautifully conceived bathroom furniture to create a truly contemporary classic.
For further information, please visit www.vandabaths.com
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Guess that city skyline in the Country Life Quiz of the Day, May 7, 2026Do you know your Tokyo from your Toronto? Find out in our Quiz of the Day.
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'A grotesque mixture of Frankenstein plants that no nursery has ever nurtured': What happened when an experienced gardening writer turned to AIStuck for ideas on how to plant a new flowerbed, Caroline Donald asked the chatbots for advice. The answers ranged from ignorant to hideous.
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Reader event report: An eye to the future at DaylesfordThe magnificent Heritage Barn at Daylesford in the Cotswolds was the setting for an event at which five specialists with a deep understanding of country properties shared their expertise.
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Reader Event: An eye to the future at Daylesford Heritage HouseWhat changes to a house do most to enhance its aesthetics, function, comfort, sustainability and longevity? On March 24, leading experts in architecture, interior design, craft and restoration will share the secrets to maximising possibilities and protecting value at Daylesford’s magnificent Heritage House in Gloucestershire.
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Reader Event: Super women at London Design WeekWhat can be learnt from the achievements of the world’s greatest female designers and antique dealers? Which has created the most valuable legacy? What are the secrets of their success? Come and find out at an inspiring event on the first day of London Design Week at 10.30am on Monday, March 9, at the London showroom of luxury lighting brand Hector Finch.
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Reimagining the past at VaughanIn September 2025, leading designers shared their views on creating interiors with the capacity to last forever.
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Tetrad: Over half a century of timeless good looksSince 1968, Tetrad has employed a combination of traditional skills and the finest materials to make upholstered furniture that is designed to offer years of comfort.
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Reimagining the past: A panel discussion with VaughanAt Focus/25 later this month, Vaughan will host an inspiring talk at which leading names in antiques and interiors will explain why understanding the past is vital to designing for the future.
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Star of the show: Rose of Jericho's paint created just for Country Life at RHS ChelseaOne of the highlights of Country Life's ‘outdoor drawing room’ at the 2025 RHS Chelsea Flower Show was a new paint colour created by Rose of Jericho,
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Munder-Skiles and the art of exterior decorationThe success of this project — which was awarded four stars by judges at the Chelsea Flower Show — demonstrates Isabella Worsley’s versatility as a designer.
