WITH prices for early works by Paul Henry sky-rocketing - a new record was set at a Phillips sale in London last month when The Watcher fetched sterling Pounds 166,500 - the major salerooms are bound to be scouting for more of his work.scheduled for September 24th. The Spoil of the Sea dates from the same period as The Watcher, around 1916, when Henry spent some time painting on Achill Island.

The painting has been exhibited only twice since then. James O'Halloran of James Adam is suggesting an estimate of Pounds 40,000-Pounds 60,000.