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.
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
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
$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
$1,208
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 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
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
Aldo Tura Modernist Three-Arm Candelabrum
By Aldo Tura
Located in New York, NY
An Aldo Tura Modernist three-arm candelabrum. Patinated brass arms with wooden base covered in lacquered parchment.
Brass
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
Georgian Sterling Silver Taperstick, London, 1730, Excellent Condition
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique early Georgian English cast sterling silver taperstick; an addition of our ornamental silverware collection. This fi...
Silver, 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.
Vintage Italian Gilt Tole Grapeleaf Wall Sconces / Candelabrum
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Italian triple candle candelabrum/wall sconce in gilt tole with grape-leaf and grape motif (ca. 1970, Italy). Natural patina present with spots of gilt and paint loss, as shown. Rem...
Metal
Modernist Candelabrum
Located in Hanover, MA
Studio produced vintage 1960's modernist candelabrum with two plank feet below the wide body with four candle holders and centered by a tall shaft that terminates in an open square. ...
Iron
F & C Osler Candelabrum
Located in Atlanta, GA
F. & C. Osler (English, founded 1807). Large silver plate mounted crystal five arm candelabrum supported by five crystal ball feet. Metal parts numbered. England, Circa 1880. Dimen...
Crystal, Silver Plate
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