ANOTHER gothic evening in keeping with the week that was in it was an art exhibition in a house on Dublin's North Great Georges Street. The partly renovated rooms in Nabil Saidi's magnificent Georgian house were candle lit, there were roaring fires, and the hallway was decorated by a laughing pumpkin.

The artist Brian McCarthy seems to have sprung from nowhere. This marks his first real exhibition and over half the pictures sold for prices that started at £3,090 - Harry Crosbie bought three of the more expensive canvases.

Charles J. Haughey, who seems to be making more regular appearances on the social scene of late, performed the opening. His house in Kinsealy Abbeville - is the subject of a glossy coffee table book written by Mary Rose Doorly with photographs by Jacqueline O'Brien. It's currently at the printers and is due out in two weeks' time.

Punky Texan actress Rosie Hall put in an appearance. She is here staying with her old friend Marina Guinness on an extended holiday the two met through Rosie's sister Jerry Hall and brother in law Mick Jagger, who have been regular visitors to the Guinness home at Leixlip Castle.

Film director Brian Grant was at the opening. He's at work on the long talked about Lord Lucan movie. John Hurt is thought to be the top choice for the lead role.