AN important collection of Irish glass assembled by the fourth Marquess of Bute earlier this century is to be sold at Christie's in London early next month.

Many of the pieces included in the sale on Monday, July 8th, were documented by a former curator of the National Museum, Dudley Westropp, in his book

Irish Glass, which was published in 1920. Westropp advised Lord Bute on the latter's collection.

The Irish glass is expected to attract a total of £33,000-£51,000, with the top price being paid for a 19-inch high canoe-shaped bowl and detachable stand, (circa 1790) from either Cork or Dublin. Christie's anticipate this bowl, which was illustrated on the frontispiece of Westropp's book, will sell for £3,000-£5,000. Also in the sale is a set of four club-shaped decanters, circa 1820 and possibly from Cork (estimate £800-£1,200), a late 18th century deep circular bowl with a turnover rim (£1,200-£1,800), an early 19th century "Kettle Drum" bowl (£800-£1,00) and a composite part table service, possibly from Waterford, comprising almost 50 pieces and valued at £800-£1,200.