OUR STORY AND ETHOS
Thoreauvian Living, was inspired by the life and work of Henry David Thoreau, a philosopher and naturalist, who dedicated himself to natural living by choosing to live a simple life in the wilderness close to a place known as Waldon Pond. He wanted to understand nature at its core and felt in doing so, he would be a man who had truly lived.
Taking a leaf from Thoreau’s philosophy we are motivated to inspire others to find beauty in all mother natures gifts, great and small. Captivated by the intricacy and beauty of insects in particular, but wildlife as a whole and the vital role it has to play in our eco system and circle of life, our designs are a unique collection of hand drawn illustrations and paintings inspired by the wildlife that surround us, that are then converted into intricate patterns or prints that aim to inspire, educate and connect others to natures beauty.
Thoreauvian Living is the inspired company of Sophia Millar who lives in the enchanting town of Eton in Berkshire, a small but historically important landmark. Sophia is an accomplished and respected set decorator in the film and television industry having initially studied at the prestigious Central St Martin’s university, in London. It was in the period of the Covid Pandemic when Sophia, like so many other’s at that time, had to step away from her career pathway in film and TV, during lock down, that her lifelong passions for art and nature became her motivation and inspiration for change. Sophia used this time to study new art skills in surface pattern design, and out of it came Thoreauvian Living. Working as a set decorator for so many years Sophia’s passion for interiors will be a driving force within the company eventually developing lines of wallpapers and fabrics to be used within the home.
