Two art sales offer a chance for collectors to spring into action

Nothing promotes a room refresh so much as a new painting. Which is where auctions in Ireland next week come into play

Peter Curling's 'Neck and Neck' at Morgan O'Driscoll.

At this time of year, with its focus on the newest interior fashions and the latest colour trends, what is overlooked is that beloved paintings changed around at home almost always end up being looked at anew. Try it. If your favourite painting has been hanging in the same place for so long that it is practically part of the furniture, it is almost certainly no longer appreciated as it deserves to be. Real art is about looking, not background decoration.

Nothing promotes a refresh so much as an addition to the collection which necessitates a re-hang. Which is where auctions in Ireland next week come into play.