"Ross's continues to attract Irish art with Northern origins. Works by Markey Robinson have shown astounding growth during the year. It is our view that 1998 will see outstanding early works reaching five-figure sums.

Following in the wake of the enormous success of Gerard Dillon, works by Dan O'Neill will take a quantum leap forward, particularly brightly-coloured, figurative pieces. I think the market for Percy French will steady. Works by Colin Middleton are undoubtedly under-valued and many people have been anticipating a change; perhaps 1998 will be the year. The recent performance of Paul Henry in the rooms, both in Ireland and England, has generated such enormous confidence that next year will clearly witness further strong growth. Naturally, Co Antrim artist Basil Blackshaw is another to watch.

Furniture from the 17th and 18th century will continue to be strongly contested in the saleroom. If it's right and the colour is good, scarcity will continue to drive the price up. Quality Edwardian furniture, arguably the last of the good furniture, is now being taken very seriously, particularly nicely faded mahogany pieces with lots of inlay and satinwood crossbanding. Silver probably is not going to do a lot if later than Georgian. Well marked pieces by celebrated silversmiths, particularly Irish, will attract strong bidding. With porcelain, glass and other collectables, I think the view will be taken that quality is paramount and it is the quality which will reflect the prices."