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 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
Set of Two Italian Rectangular Florentine Gilt Wood Boxes
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Set of 2 charming Italian Mid-Century Florentine hand crafted boxes. These gilt-wood boxes can be used to store your favorite pieces of jewelry as well as stand alone pieces on a cof...
Giltwood, Paint, Paper
Silver and Ebony William Spratling Dominoes Set
By William Spratling
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Amazing Wiliam Spratling Dominoes set made of ebony wood and silver inlay. William Spratling (September 22, 1900–August 7, 1967) was an Americ...
Silver
Box with a Shell Lid in Style of Alexandre Noll
By Alexandre Noll
Located in NYC, NY
A beautiful wood box with a small compartment inside and a shell lid in the manner of Alexandre Noll.
Shell, Walnut
$4,056
H 19.69 in W 9.85 in D 9.85 in
Italy 1980 Abstract Sculpture Sphere in Brass Natural Wood and Metal Chrome
Located in Brescia, IT
This is a unique piece and prototype of this interesting artwork of Filippo Panseca, an Italian artist that it is considered, together with Laurence Gartel, the father of the Computer Art. Friend of Renato Guttuso, later he created the Biodegradable Art. His artworks were shown at Art Basel and the Biennale of Art in Venice. In this piece we can see the investigation of the artist of the Cosmic world and Cinetic art...
Metal, Brass
Bronze Box with a Map of Gronland ‘Greenland’ on the Lid
Located in NYC, NY
A bronze box with a map of Greenland (Cronland in Danish) incised into the top of the box lid, with a cerused oak interior on solid metal feet. Incised on the underside with makers m...
Bronze
Large Gilt and Silvered Bronze Jewel Box/Casket
Located in Norwood, NJ
French 19th century large gilt and silvered bronze table box. Finely cast Renaissance Revival gilt and silvered bronze jewelry box with tufted velvet interior lining. Four corners wi...
Bronze
Robert and Jean Cloutier Sculpture Horse, circa 1960, France
By Robert and Jean Cloutier
Located in Girona, Spain
Robert and Jean Cloutier sculpture horse. Made with glazed ceramic. Ceramic box. A fine black enameled sculptural horse shaped box. Signed Circa 196...
Ceramic
Modernist Silvered Horse Knife Rests-Set of Twelve
Located in Downingtown, PA
Modernist silvered horse knife rests-set of twelve, 20th Century (NY9205/IRR) The twelve cast solid silvered plate horses are depicted in full gallop...
Metal
Christmas set balls and miniature plates
Located in Delft, NL
Christmas Delft Blue balls and miniature plates 5 Different ceramic Christmas ornaments in white with a blue Delft print by van Heinen, Delft Blue. Two round balls of 8 cm diagonal ...
Ceramic
$1,220
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
Otar Stacked Brass and Copper Box
By Otar USA
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This rare 1935 all-original decorative box was designed and produced by John Otar in California. The box features individual triangular brass and copper plates stacked to create a sp...
Brass, Copper
Set of 3 Hans Hansen Sterling Silver Smokers Set 546, c. 1970
By Karl Gustav Hansen
Located in Hellerup, DK
A Mid-Century sterling silver smoker’s companion set by Hans Hansen, design no. 546, dating to circa 1970. This rare three-piece ensemble comprises a lighter with a removable butane-...
Sterling Silver
Stuart Devlin Silver Gilt Surprise Egg, London, 1978
By Stuart Devlin
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Stuart Devlin silver gilt surprise egg, London 1978, opening to reveal a fish swimming amongst ocean sea plants. Original box height: 7.5cm high, no 19 of...
Vermeil, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Stuart Devlin Silver Gilt Surprise Egg, London 1978
By Stuart Devlin
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Stuart Devlin silver gilt surprise egg, London 1978, opening to reveal a fish swimming amongst ocean sea plants. Original box height: 7.5cm high, no 19 of limited edition of 100. Ite...
Vermeil, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Stuart Devlin Clown and Performing Dog Egg, London, 1980
By Stuart Devlin
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Stuart Devlin silver gilt surprise egg, London 1980, opening to reveal a clown and performing dog. Original box and papers. Height: 7.5cm high, No 19 of limited edition of 100. Item ...
Sterling Silver