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.
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
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
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
$6,600 / set
H 9.63 in W 4.88 in D 4.88 in
Pair of English Georgian Sterling Silver Candlesticks, 1766
Located in New York, NY
Pair of George III cast sterling silver candlesticks. Made by John Arnell in London in 1766. Each: Spool socket mounted to faceted and tapering shaft with knops and flanges; leaf-cov...
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
Pair of American Tiffany Sterling Silver Monkey Candlesticks
Located in Southampton, NY
Pair of American Tiffany sterling silver monkey candlesticks.
Stuart Devlin Silver Gilt Novelty Egg with Humming Bird
By Stuart Devlin
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A highly collectable and delightful silver gilt novelty egg containing a hummingbird by renowned silversmith and artist Stuart Devlin (Australian, 1931-2018) and dated 1977. Stuart D...
Silver
Pair of Neoclassical Sterling Silver Column candlesticks
Located in New York, NY
Pair of sterling silver, Neoclassical-Style, square based column candlesticks, American, Ca. 1930's. Each candlestick measures 7 1/8 inches high x 3 inches wide (at widest point acro...
Sterling Silver
$1,430
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
Pair of Sterling Silver Candlesticks
By James Dixon & Sons
Located in London, GB
A Pair of Sterling Silver Candlesticks in the arts and crafts style, hallmarked in the city of Sheffield in 1905/06 by James Dixon...
Silver
$2,353 / set
H 14.38 in W 6.5 in D 6.11 in
Antique Pair Minton Staffordshire Porcelain Candelabra Centerpieces Cherub 19C
By Minton
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Stunning example of a pair of English Minton porcelain three branch candelabra, each modelled as a group of Cherubs standing on naturalistic base above an elaborate reeded socle with lavish decoration depicting gilt framed medallions with hand paintings of still life of flowers within pink hanging swags, ending on a circular stepped base. Circa third quarter of the Nineteenth Century, possibly earlier Exquisitely decorated in colours of turquoise on white glazed ground with lavish gold highlights. Condition: Good condition for such early pieces with no losses, no discoloring anywhere. Typically unmarked as pieces of this early period. Parts are constructed by bolting together. Height: (entire as image one, an impressive) 14.5" (36.5cm). Diameter: (at base) 4.5” (11.5cm). Location: Dublin City, Ireland. Affordable fixed price Worldwide Store to door shipping. Provenance: From the Collection of Kenneth Neame...
Porcelain, Pottery
Pair of Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver 1910 Candlesticks
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Tiffany & Co. sterling silver candlesticks, beautifully engraved with floral and geometric motifs on the body and base and in pattern number 17659A from 1910. They measure 9 ...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Waypoint Centerpiece, Antique Brass, by Force/Collide
By Force/Collide
Located in Seattle, WA
The Waypoint Centerpiece is a decorative vide-poche in Force/Collide's signature design style. The dramatic lines and symmetry of this catch-all make a powerful statement for your fa...
Metal, Brass, Steel, Sheet Metal
$3,250 / set
H 9.5 in W 4.5 in D 3.63 in
Pair of Tiffany Edwardian Classical Sterling Silver Candlesticks
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Edwardian Classical sterling silver candlesticks. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca. 1910. Each: Ovoid with tapering shaft, stepped foot, and bellied socket. Faceted. Cha...
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