The first of this year's fine art courses begins next month at the Irish Auctioneers and Valuers Institute offices in Merrion Square, Dublin. The advanced nine-week course comprises a series of two-hour evening lectures from Wednesday 14th February to Wednesday 11th April. Areas examined include furniture, silver, and pottery and porcelain. The illustrated lectures are given by such experts as Brian Coyle and James O'Halloran of the James Adam Salerooms and Douglas Bennett of Douglas Bennett & Associates. The course fee is £175. Further information, call the IAVI at 01 6611794.