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.
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
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
$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 Cartier, Stuart Devlin
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
French Gilt Bronze Five-Light Candelabrum, Late 19th Century
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This elegant French five-light candelabrum, crafted in richly gilt bronze, is a refined example of late 19th-century decorative artistry. The piece features a beautifully sculpted ce...
Bronze
Reijo Sirkeoja Pair of Modernist Sterling Silver Candleholders
Located in Long Island City, NY
Master silversmith Reijo Sirkeoja made some of the most original silver designs in post-war Finland, combining unusual modern aesthetics with the sophis...
Sterling Silver
Folk Art Candelabrum
Located in Seattle, WA
Handmade Folk Art candelabrum. That was originally used as a home altar. Lovely with candles burning or just as a piece of sculpture.
$1,219
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
NSNG Corroded Candelabrum 3
By Kiki & Joost, Joost van Bleiswijk
Located in Eindhoven, NL
No Screw No Glue is an iconic range of furniture and objects designed by Joost Van Bleiswijk in which the components are laser cut and assembled by slotting the pieces together. As t...
Steel
$1,040 / item
H 16.15 in W 7.49 in D 7.49 in
Stainless Steel Triglav Candelabrum 41 Silver Candle Holder by Zieta
By Zieta
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Usually made of metal, the modern candle holders are available in myriad shapes and styles. From simple, Minimalist ones to opulent, eclectic candelabra. Triglav, a steel candle hold...
Stainless Steel
NSNG Corroded Candelabrum 1
By Kiki & Joost, Joost van Bleiswijk
Located in Eindhoven, NL
No Screw No Glue is an iconic range of furniture and objects designed by Joost Van Bleiswijk in which the components are laser cut and assembled by slotting the pieces together. As t...
Steel
$850 / set
H 2.25 in Dm 2.15 in
Vintage William Spratling Modernist Candle Holders, Sterling Silver, 1940's
Located in Los Angeles, CA
William Spratling Mexico Sterling Silver Candle Holders. A refined pair showcasing Spratling’s signature blend of traditional Mexican craftsmanship and modernist design. Each candle ...
Sterling Silver
$1,800 / set
H 3.25 in W 8.13 in D 3.25 in
Signed Cartier Sterling Silver Mid-Century Modernist Flower Blossom Candlesticks
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of Mid-Century two-light table candleabra or candle holders. In sterling silver. Retailed by Cartier. Likely designed and manufactured by Abbiati Gioacchino fu Carlo f...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage Sterling Silver Gilt Candlesticks by CJ Vander
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive, rare pair of vintage Elizabeth II English sterling silver gilt candlesticks; an addition to our ornamental sil...
Sterling Silver
$2,075 / item
H 32.68 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Stainless Steel Triglav Candelabrum 83 Silver Candle Holder by Zieta
By Zieta
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Usually made of metal, the modern candle holders are available in myriad shapes and styles. From simple, minimalist ones to opulent, eclectic candelabra. Triglav, a steel candle hold...
Stainless Steel
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