Eltham Palace and Gardens near London was once a medieval palace much favoured by King Edward IV (the Great Hall still stands today), which then became a Tudor royal residence before eventually being transformed by Stephen and Virginia (Ginie) Courtauld into an Art Deco residence in the 1930s.
For a week in July (13-21), Fleurs de Villes have made a welcome return to the UK, curating a spectacular floral exhibition not just within the mansion but within the grounds too.
Our Editor visited this English Heritage site on Tuesday (July 16) to see for herself the floral talent on show by some of UK’s top florists, and she was most impressed.
Above is the floral entrance created by Debra J Flowers, the floral couple Stephen & Virginia Courtauld created by Blossom and Threads, and Gracie Fields (a frequent guest) created by Renatto Ribeiro.
The Great Hall was resplendent with several floral mannequins and many of the rooms in the mansion were florally bedecked too to enhance this important historical setting even further.
Above left; Edward IV created by Amega Floral Design, centre; Elizabeth II created by June in March, and right; Elizabeth Woodville created by Emma Soulsby Weddings Ltd.
Left; floral mannequins all in a row, to the right; design in the dining room created by Filth Florist.
We think you will agree that this is exquisite floral work of the highest order on show here.