A full-time course leading to a diploma in the fine and decorative arts begins in Dublin on Monday, October 9th. Run by the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers in association with the Irish Antique Dealers' Association, it ends in May 2001 and includes lectures three days a week each term.

The areas covered range from the history of furniture to the history of interiors, and lecturers include Roxane Moorhead and the Hon Desmond Guinness. The fee for the course is £2,300 and further information is available from Liam O'Donnell at the IPAV, telephone 016785685.