Stuart Devlin was a mid-century modern Australian metalworker whose sparkling creations showcased the luster of silver. He used techniques like filigree and gilding to make a range of sterling silver serveware and decorative sculptures.
Devlin was born in Geelong, Victoria, in 1931. From 1951 to 1955, he taught gold and silversmithing in the town of Wangaratta. He went on to study at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in 1957 and earned a scholarship to the Royal College of Art in London in 1958. Devlin was awarded a two-year Harkness Fellowship by the Commonwealth Fund, which he used to spend time at Columbia University in New York City.
After returning to Melbourne, he won a competition to design Australian coinage in 1964. His initials are still on the 1966 Australian 50-cent coin. A year later, he moved back to London and opened a workshop. There, he began producing limited-edition Christmas boxes and Easter eggs, which continue to be highly prized by collectors. Devlin also took commissions for coins and medals from countries around the world. From 1979 to 1985, he operated a popular showroom on London’s Conduit Street.
Devlin was widely acclaimed and recognized for his work over his long career. In 1982, he was granted the Royal Warrant of Appointment as Goldsmith and Jeweler to Her Majesty the Queen. From 1996 to 1997, he served as the Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company. In 2000, he designed a coin series for the Summer Olympics in Sydney.
Devlin retired to Littlehampton, West Sussex, where he died in 2018 at the age of 86. As described in his obituary in The Guardian, Devlin sought to bring “delight, surprise, intrigue and even amusement” to modern style.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Stuart Devlin serveware, decorative objects and more.
Elizabeth II Sterling Silver Candlesticks, Stuart Devlin, London 1968
By Stuart Devlin
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1968 by Stuart Devlin, this stunning pair of Elizabeth II sterling silver candlesticks has a modernist form. Each candlestick features a slender tapering stem...
Sterling Silver
Stuart Devlin, Sterling Silver Centrepiece, London, 1978
By Stuart Devlin
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1978 by Stuart Devlin, this stylish, modernist design, sterling silver centrepiece, features four holders for candles (or flowers), and a cast and gilt flower...
Sterling Silver
Georgian Sterling Silver Column Candlesticks (1803)
By George Eadon & Co ( Eadon, Kibbles & John Weaver ) 1
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A magnificent, exceptional, fine and impressive, pair of large antique Georgian English sterling silver architectural column candlesticks; part of our ornamental silverware collection. These magnificent antique Georgian English sterling silver candlesticks have a plain subtly tapering columnar form. The large and impressive Corinthian capital of each candlestick retains the original hallmarked detachable push fit sconce ornamented with a plain moulded rim. The cylindrical columns are supported by a cuboid plinth to an impressive plain square stepped three tier base. Each plinth is embellished with a fine and impressive bright cut engraved coat of arms depicting the Head family coat of arms encircled with a belt accented with the family motto 'Study Quiet'. The bases retain the original contemporary engraved inscription 'A token of respect from Francis Head to her aunt Dame Mary Ann Head. 1803' to the lowest tier. Both candlesticks are fitted with turned mahogany bases to the underside. These magnificent Georgian candlesticks were crafted by George Eadon, George Kibbles & John Weaver of George Eadon & Co. The title ‘Dame’ was the traditional style for the wife of a baronet at this time and before although it was interchangeable with the title ‘Lady’. Condition These antique Georgian candlesticks...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique Sterling Silver Epergne / Centrepiece / Vase 1911
Located in London, GB
An Antique solid Silver Epergne Centrepiece with a large oval central basket supporting a tall trumpet shaped vase on top of an impressive concave shaped stand. The central stand has...
Sterling Silver
$89,500 / set
H 3.5 in W 5 in D 5 in
Stuart Devlin Set of Twelve Silver and Silver-Gilt "Twelve Days of Christmas"
By Stuart Devlin, Cartier
Located in North Miami, FL
Introducing an extraordinary and complete collection of Twelve English silver and silver-gilt "Twelve Days of Christmas" gift boxes, presented...
Sterling Silver
Pair of Mid Century Sterling Silver Swedish Candlesticks
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Mid-Century, Continental Silver (.800) candlesticks, Uppsala, Sweden, year-hallmarked for 1960, Markstroms Guldsmeths - makers. Each candlestick stands 6 inches high x 3 1/...
Sterling Silver
Candelabra Sculpture Centerpiece by Jacques Jarrige "Waves"
By Jacques Jarrige
Located in New York, NY
Unique sculpture / candelabra in aluminum hand hammered by Jacques Jarrige. This tabletop, centerpiece can be commissioned to custom size.
Aluminum
2 classic Silver Candlestick 925 Sterling Germany gilded
Located in Berlin, DE
2 classic Silver Candlestick 925 Sterling Germany Half moon and crown gilded The candlestick is weighted Weight: 126 g The condition can be seen in the pictures.
Silver
$7,800 / set
H 10.5 in Dm 6 in
Pair of George III Regency Gilt Sterling Silver Candlesticks, London, 1818
Located in Sleepy Hollow, NY
An elegant and finely detailed pair of George III Regency-period gilt sterling silver candlesticks, hallmarked London, 1818, with maker's marks for Thomas Gairdner. Each candlestick...
Sterling Silver
$1,366
H 7.37 in Dm 3.47 in
Da Ros Cenedese Italian Yellow & Blue Sommerso Murano Glass Candlestick Holder
By Antonio da Ros, Cenedese
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Rare Antonio da Ros for Cenedese vintage Italian yellow uranium Murano glass candlestick stand, holder or Candelabra made circa 1960s with a blue central sphere and blue sommerso top...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
$3,403
H 4.53 in W 4.77 in D 4.77 in
Antique Pair of Elkington & Co. Sterling Silver Candlesticks, London 1905
Located in Nottingham, GB
A fine pair of antique English sterling silver candlesticks by the celebrated Elkington & Co. Ltd, hallmarked in London for 1905. Dating to the Edwardian period, the pair represents ...
Sterling Silver
Great Bear Candelabra by Piet Hein
By Piet Hein
Located in San Francisco, CA
A Piet Hein candelabra in brushed steel. Known as either “Big Dipper” or “The Great Bear”, it was designed by Hein during his time in Argentina to...
Steel
$1,218
H 0.2 in W 0.71 in D 11.82 in
Vintage Stuart Devlin Sterling Silver & Gilt Letter Opener in Box London 1979
By Stuart Devlin
Located in London, GB
An unusual and elegant Sterling Silver Letter Opener by Stuart Devlin, showcasing his extraordinary aesthetic and commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The long paper knife has a ...
Sterling Silver
London Sterling Candlesticks , c1890s
Located in Houston, TX
These sterling silver candlesticks, crafted in the 1890s feature a timeless fluted column design and finely detailed square bases. A sophisticated and charming addition to any table...
Sterling Silver
Victorian Set of Four Sterling Silver Candlesticks
By Robert Dicker 1
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A magnificent, fine and impressive, composite set of four Victorian English sterling silver candlesticks in the Charles II style; an addition to our Victorian silverware collection. ...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Art Nouveau Centrepiece
Located in New York, NY
This ravishing Art Nouveau silver plated centrepiece is decorated with butterflies, flowers, and budding tendrils, and retains the original applied patina and cobalt-blue-glass liner...
Silver Plate
Wilhelm Kage, Gustavsberg Argenta Ceramic Centrepiece Platter Applied Silver
By Wilhelm Kage
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Beautiful, understated Argenta round ceramic footed centrepiece platter by Wilhelm Kage for Gustavsberg, Sweden Applied silver trellis motif decorates the depressed centre, the oute...
Silver
Sold
H 10.63 in W 7.88 in D 7.49 in
Stuart Devlin - Sterling Silver Candelabrum, London 1971, Modernist Design
By Stuart Devlin
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1971 by Stuart Devlin, this exceptional Elizabeth II sterling silver candelabrum centrepiece has a modernist three-light form. The centrepiece features three ...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 10.04 in W 5.52 in D 2.76 in
Pair of Elizabeth II Sterling Silver Gilt Candlesticks, Stuart Devlin, 1968
By Stuart Devlin
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1968 by Stuart Devlin, this striking pair of Elizabeth II sterling silver candlesticks features plain cylindrical stems on spreading circular bases. Each is f...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 16.15 in Dm 9.45 in
Rare Stuart Devlin Sterling Silver & Gilt Filigree Candelabrum, London 1967
By Stuart Devlin
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1967 by Stuart Devlin, this exceptional Elizabeth II sterling silver three-light candelabrum is a premier example of high-modernist design. The piece features...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 9.77 in W 7.17 in D 7.17 in
Vintage Sterling Silver Stuart Devlin Candelabrum Candelabra Candle Holder 1975
By Stuart Devlin
Located in London, GB
An elegant modernist Candelabrum by the esteemed Silversmith Stuart Devlin. The Four Light Candelabra has polished silver arms and base and a textured column embellished with the tra...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 9.85 in W 18.9 in D 9.45 in
Stuart Devlin - pair of mid century partial gilt silver candelabra made in 1975
By Stuart Devlin
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1975 by Stuart Devlin, this stylish pair of Elizabeth II period, Sterling Silver Candelabra, feature gilt filagree columns, and will each hold 4 candles. Each...
Sterling Silver
Stuart Devlin Silver Candlesticks with Gilt Shades - set of 6
By Stuart Devlin
Located in Basildon, GB
Set of 6 Stuart Devlin Silver Candlestick bases, with Gilt Shades, each hallmarked underneath, London 1974. Both base and shades are rare triangular style. Three of the candlesticks...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 13 in W 6.3 in D 3.15 in
Stuart Devlin, Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver Candlesticks, London, 1974
By Stuart Devlin
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1974 by Stuart Devlin, this wonderful pair of Sterling Silver Candlesticks, have hand forged stems, and hand made cylindrical tapered filigree shades. Each ca...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 0.4 in W 0.4 in D 0.4 in
Set of 4 Stuart Devlin Sterling Silver & Gilt Candlesticks 1972 Boxed Modernist
By Stuart Devlin
Located in London, GB
A magnificent Set of Antique solid Silver parcel gilt Candlesticks made in the archetypal style of Stuart Devlin. The Candlesticks have conical base and capital in highly polished si...
Sterling Silver