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 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
$6,860Sale Price|20% Off
Stuart Devlin Sterling Silver, Gilt & Amethyst Rose Bowl Centrepiece 1978
By Stuart Devlin
Located in London, GB
An impressive Vintage Sterling Rose Bowl by Stuart Devlin. The Centrepiece has a Silver Gilt pierced Lid with a large chunk of Amethyst Set in the Centre. The Base of the Centrepiece...
Amethyst, 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
$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
$37,013
H 14.97 in W 20.08 in D 18.12 in
Neoclassical Victorian Antique Sterling Silver Centrepiece or Epergne, 1892
By Daniel & John Wellby
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1892 by D. & J. Wellby, this impressive, nine basket, Edwardian, Antique Sterling Silver Epergne, is a fine example of Adam style design, featuring pierced work throughout, neoclassical decoration, four round baskets, four oval baskets and a larger oval basket...
Sterling Silver
Antique Sterling Silver Nef / Centrepiece
By Ludwig Neresheimer
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A magnificent, fine and impressive, large and rare antique George V sterling silver nef / centrepiece; an addition to our ornamental silverware collection. ...
Sterling Silver
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
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
Modern Rock Crystal Silver-Leafed Tree Formed Centrepiece
Located in Cypress, CA
A unique modern style hand-forged wrought iron tree form centerpiece with 12 hand-polished rock crystal spheres in various sizes. Each rock crystal sphere are resting on individual s...
Rock Crystal, Silver Leaf, Wrought Iron
Sterling Silver Footed Centerpiece Bowl
Located in Tarry Town, NY
19th Century Sterling Silver tableware serving footed bowl with Exterior floral design details resting on a proportions round footed base. The serving bowl is in great antique condit...
Sterling Silver
Candelabra Sculpture Centerpiece by Jacques Jarrige "Waves"
By Jacques Jarrige
Located in New York, NY
Unique sculpture / candelabra in aluminum hand hammered by Jacques Jarrige. This tabletop, centerpiece can be commissioned to custom size.
Aluminum
Sterling Silver / Gilt Barware / Centerpiece Bowl
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Late 19th century sterling silver footed centerpiece bowl with exterior floral band design details and gold wash interior. The centerpiece bowl is in great antique condition. Minor w...
Gold, Sterling Silver
20th Century Silver Italian Candelabra Hercules & Hidra on wood base
Located in VALENZA, IT
Silver 800 candelabra. The nine-light candelabra represents Hercules to fight the Hydra. Completely handmade in casting and chisel. By ARGENTERIE DI MILANO - Fiorentini - Milan - Italy Wooden base 17,800 grams of 800 silver This item was exhibited in Turin - Reggia di Venaria - for the exhibition "Hercules and his myth" Rooms of the Arts, The Lernaean Hydra or Hydra of Lerna (Greek: Lernaîa Hýdra), more often known simply as the Hydra, was a serpentine water monster in Greek and Roman mythology. Its lair was the lake of Lerna in the Argolid, which was also the site of the myth of the Danaids. Lerna was reputed to be an entrance to the Underworld[1] and archaeology has established it as a sacred site older than Mycenaean Argos. In the canonical Hydra myth, the monster is killed by Heracles, more often known as Hercules, using...
Silver
Antique Sterling Silver Three-Light Candelabrum Centrepiece
By William Ker Reid
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A magnificent, fine and impressive antique George IV English sterling silver three-light candelabrum centrepiece; an addition to our ornamental silverware collection. This magnificent antique English sterling silver three light candelabrum has a cylindrical tapering, shaped form. This antique silver centrepiece...
Sterling Silver