Vicki Thomas Associates
What we do
Consultancy
Licensing
Design
Brand
Illustration
Social Research
Our Story
In 1984, Vicki undertook an MA at the Royal College of Art and Victoria and Albert Museum. It was here that the consultancy grew from a study; Gifts: The Designers Role in the Commercialisation of Gift Exchange. It looked at how designers and manufacturers create products and services for all those special events in our lives.
A number of firms and organisations asked Vicki to continue research. Several design colleagues asked her to work with them and they became known as the Associates.
Now in 2025, a social and historical approach to design still underlies much of the work we do together and for our clients. Research continues, looking to making our designs more sustainable. We seek to add value through our work.
The Year of The Gift
In 2025 we organised a year of events to celebate a 100 years since The Gift was published by Marcel Mauss and the value of giving to our comunities.
Click here for a record of the events and the discussions it generated.
years
Satisfied Clients
Associates
Cups Of Tea
Why we are different
We are a multi-disciplinary practice with a range of design skills. We work across cultures, disciplines and industries such as; publishing, ceramics and textiles.
We license rather than sell our artwork and encourage others to do the same. We value intellectual property and nurture creativity.
We are participant researchers. We like to understand changes in social needs. We seek to understand the user's experience and involve them in the design process.
We look at design a little differently.
Our Latest projects
It was great to meet and catch ups with so many of you at Brand License Europe. Walking the. show certainly had soem benefits!
We just hosted host the 32nd meeting of the Toy & Play Sustainability Research Hub. Innovative materials and identfying toys have been my priorties.If you want to learn more https://www.toysustainabilityhub.org
The Year of The Gift has ended https://www.yearofthegift.org.uk but we are continuing the discussion, just this month with an article on William Morris – A Gift the Keeps Giving . Available from https://williammorrissociety.digitickets.co.uk/products/953015?navItem=1366404
We are coniuing to resarch and create design collections. Often helping retailers, heritage outlets, and interior designers source sustainable products from specialist suppliers. – https://www.vta-creatingvalue.co.uk
Isobel is celebarting The Golden Hinde’s 30 years in London with illustrations for blinds. We are also commemorating its circumnavigation of the globe, by using sample legths of licensed fabric from The Quilters’ Guld of the British Isles to produce a maritime copmass themed quilt. Both ship and fabrics owe their orgins to communities in the West Country.
Our Skills
Most projects require a variety of design skills. Most project start with research but at least 30% have a report element. Most require a management overview to make sure they run to budget and deliver on their aims. We are a design consultancy, so all projects have elements of visual and design creativity. When we are working with a clients’ intellectual property our experience as licensing agents has provided additional insight and opportunities.
- Research – 70%
- Design Managment- 90%
- Design and Product Development – 60%
- Surface Pattern & Illustration-30%
- Licensing & IP Management 50%
Exhibitions
Exhibitions are valuable. We find it important to meet people face to face and learn about their design needs. Exhibitions provide a great opportunity to touch materials, see new designs and test products.
Upcoming and Recent Events
Brand Licensing Europe
7-9 October 2025
Excel, London
Stand AD17
Museum & Heritage
13-14 May 2026
Olympia, London
Stand Q1
