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.
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
$868Sale Price|20% Off
H 0.99 in W 14.57 in D 2.37 in
20th Cebtury Italian Big Sterling Silver Letter Opener
By Arval Argenti Valenza
Located in VALENZA, IT
Large, completely handmade, sterling silver letter opener. Perfect for a prestigious desk. The blade is smooth while the hand is embossed by hand on both sides with scrolls and fl...
Sterling Silver
George Jensen Sterling Silver Letter Opener in Cactus Pattern
Located in Buchanan, MI
George Jensen sterling silver letter opener in cactus pattern.
Stainless Steel, Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Plate Letter Opener Horse Head Design
By Reed & Barton
Located in New York, NY
A substantial sterling silver-plated letter opener with horse head handle, circa mid-20th century, USA. A great desk, office, library, etc., accessory. With maker's mark on underside...
Metal, Silver Plate
Silver Plate Letter Opener
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Silver plate letter opener - a large and well designed letter opener in silver plate - ergonomically designed and weighted on one end for easy handling and an artful design - handsom...
Silver Plate
Boxed Vintage Asprey Letter Opener
By Asprey & Garrard Limited
Located in Bath, GB
A very fine vintage letter opener by Asprey of Bond Street, London. The letter opener looks never to have been used. Made from a combination of polished steel, partly gilded to cre...
Metal
Two Small Amber and Sterling Silver Handle Letter Openers
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
As found in Denmark, this set of two amber handled letter openers are made 925 Sterling silver. These are a perfect addition to any home office as a desk accessory for opening mail o...
Sterling Silver
Silver French Christofle Letter Opener
By Christofle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A vintage French desk accessory by Christofle, this elegant silver-plated letter opener is a refined example of 20th-century decorative craftsmanship. Featuring a circular medallion ...
Silver
Quality Vintage Solid / Sterling Silver Letter Opener - Pheasant
By Richard Comyns
Located in Bath, GB
A stunning, beautifully cast letter opener in solid English Sterling silver with a hefty weight of 98.5 Grams / 3 17 Troy Ounces. The handle features a wonderful Pheasant and the si...
Sterling Silver
George III Sterling Silver Skewer / Letter Opener, circa 1800
Located in San Francisco, CA
George III sterling silver skewer / letter opener, circa 1800 Estate of Vanderbilt Lehman Fine sterling skewer / letter opener with hallm...
Sterling Silver
Danish Crown Letter Opener in Sterling Silver, 1930s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A stylish paper knife with elongated sterling silver handle set with the Danish Royal Crown hence its name Danish Crown or Dansk Krone in Danish. Fully Hall-marked. Measurements: ...
Silver, Steel
Sterling Silver Letter Opener
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This sterling silver letter opener is a handsome piece that makes a great gift. Not only is it functional but a beautiful accent to your desk. Sleek and unadorned it works with any d...
Sterling Silver
Heintz Arts & Crafts Sterling Silver on Bronze Letter Opener
By Heintz Art Metal Shop
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period sterling silver on bronze letter opener By Heintz Art Metal Shop USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 9"W x 0.83"D x 0.13"H Good ...
Sterling Silver, Bronze