Fairfax House, York's beautifully restored Georgian residence, is gilding the lily this Easter.

Floral arrangements by York's internationally-renowned flower arrangement artist and horticulturist George Smith are on display in Fairfax House's saloon.

The arrangements echo the decorative plasterwork flower basket designs in the saloon ceiling and include spring bloomers like auriculas, narcissi, tulips and hellebores fashioned from wax, and hand-painted to rival nature, just as the Georgians preferred them.

George said: "This way, these Spring flowers can always stay fresh forever 'primavera' - just as in the ceiling."

Updated: 11:39 Thursday, April 12, 2001