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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This Domesday Book manor on the Isle of Wight can be traced back to the reign of Henry IIIGrab your own slice of history off the coast of southern England.
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Gilders, goldsmiths, embroiderers and engravers: It takes a 2,000-man village to make the world's most coveted fanIf you only buy one fan, make it one from Duvelleroy.
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The art of the country garden at DaylesfordOn July 2 this year, five experts shared their thoughts on the secret of creating the perfect rural sanctuary.
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Rooms with a view: The new Oakwrights garden pavilion collectionA new collection of garden pavilions from Oakwrights offers hand-crafted structures designed for those who want to spend more time in their own great outdoors.
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Homegrown heroes: The British stone from Artorius Faber which transformed Country Life's RHS Chelsea Flower Show standGeorge Saumarez Smith’s design for the floor of Country Life's stand at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show has been brought to life by Artorius Faber.
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Star of the show: How George Saumarez Smith's design for Country Life wowed visitors at the Chelsea Flower ShowThe Garden Lover’s Library, created by George Saumarez Smith for Country Life, dazzled visitors at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
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Inspired by the past: How Munder Skiles blended old and new for Country Life's stand at the Chelsea Flower ShowOn Country Life's stand at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, two striking designs by Munder Skiles demonstrated the exciting possibilities of combining inspiration from the past, artisanal skills, high-quality materials and cutting-edge engineering to create furniture suited to inside and out.
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Reader event: The art of the country house garden at DaylesfordWhat are the ingredients of the perfect country garden in the 21st century? At this Country Life event, five leading experts will share their wisdom on achieving pleasing good looks, creating comfortable spaces for relaxation, manageable maintenance and how to make a garden your own.
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Art underfoot: How Artorius Faber brought to life the stone floor of Country Life's stand at the RHS Chelsea Flower ShowGeorge Saumarez Smith’s design for the floor of Country Life's stand at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show has been brought to life by Artorius Faber.
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The best of British: How home-grown stone will be one of the stars on the Country Life stand at the Chelsea Flower ShowCountry Life's stand at RHS Chelsea will celebrate the beauty of Artorius Faber’s home-grown stone.
