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
$6,791Sale 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
$36,821
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
$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 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
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
Great Bear Candelabra by Piet Hein
By Piet Hein
Located in San Francisco, CA
A Piet Hein candelabra in brushed steel. Known as either “Big Dipper” or “The Great Bear”, it was designed by Hein during his time in Argentina to...
Steel
Art Nouveau Centrepiece
Located in New York, NY
This ravishing Art Nouveau silver plated centrepiece is decorated with butterflies, flowers, and budding tendrils, and retains the original applied patina and cobalt-blue-glass liner...
Silver Plate
$8,142
H 26 in W 25 in D 17 in
French Silvered Bronze Centrepiece Bowl After Lerolle Fres Napoleon III
Located in Potters Bar, GB
A highly decorative French centrepiece in the Napoleon III taste, this piece is a later recast after a model by the Parisian founders Lerolle Fres, whose original designs were widely...
Bronze
$1,215
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
$5,400 / set
H 16.25 in Dm 5.88 in
Three-Piece Set Amethyst & Gold Figural Swan Venetian Candlesticks & Centrepiece
By Antonio Salviati
Located in Great Barrington, MA
Your table will be magnificent when you set it with this three-piece centrepiece set of handblown Venetian glass. The unusual and rare color of amethys...
Blown Glass
$6,512 / set
H 2.96 in W 7.29 in D 7.29 in
Mid Century Pair of Sterling Silver Gilt Beakers, Stuart Devlin, London 1971
By Stuart Devlin
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1971 by Stuart Devlin, this striking pair of Elizabeth II sterling silver beakers features Devlin’s signature modernist aesthetic. Each beaker is of a taperin...
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
$1,400 / set
H 8 in W 5 in D 5 in
Elegant Pair Regency Brass Dolphin Candlesticks, Great Attention to Detail
Located in Buchanan, MI
Elegant pair Regency brass dolphin candlesticks, great attention to detail.
Brass