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.
Edwardian English Sterling Silver Bear Pepperette
By Crisford & Norris 1
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique Edwardian English sterling silver pepper shaker realistically modelled in the form of a bear, an addition to our range of silver novelty items This fine antique Edwardian sterling silver pepperette...
Sterling Silver
Antique German Silver Bear Sugar Box, Hanau, Circa 1900
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive, rare antique German silver bear sugar box; part of our continental ornamental silverware collection This exceptional and rare antique German silver sugar box have been realistically modelled in form of a bear. The box has been embellished with fine embossed decoration reproducing the details of the bear's fur and anatomical features. This exceptional antique silver box is fitted with the original push fit head/cover. Condition This antique silver bear box is an exceptional gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional condition. The German Hanau hallmarks to the underside of one foot are very clear. Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this German silverware...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Fox Head Stirrup Cup by James R. Biggins, 2012
By James R. Biggins 1
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive contemporary cast sterling silver stirrup cup modelled in the form of a fox's head; an addition to our diverse silver drinking vessels...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Dog Stirrup Cup, Sheffield 2011, Excellent Condition
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive contemporary cast sterling silver stirrup cup modeled in the form of a dog's head, an addition to our diverse silver drinking vessels...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Sterling Silver Fox Sculpture by Tessiers Ltd., 1991
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive vintage cast sterling silver fox model on plinth; an addition to our animal silverware collection. This exceptional, fine and impressive vintage ...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Sterling Silver Paperweight / Model of Pig
By William Comyns & Sons 1
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive vintage cast English sterling silver paperweight/model of a pig; part of our animal related silverware collection. This exceptional, fine and impressive vintage sterling silver pig ornament/paper weight has been realistically modelled in the form of a whimsical pig, sat waving. This cast silver ornament has been embellished with details reproducing the fine features of the pig's skin and anatomical features. This exceptional and comical model is fitted with a leatherette covering to the underside. This impressive example of vintage silverware...
Sterling Silver
Teddy Bear Novelty Silver Pepperette by Henry Williamson, Birmingham, 1909
By Henry Williamson Ltd
Located in London, GB
A highly collectable Edwardian silver novelty pepperette in the form of a seated teddy bear with full English silver hallmarks on base and on head for Birmingham 1909 by Henry Willia...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Bear By Buccellati
By Buccellati
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture representing a bear and its cub in sterling silver Work of the Maison Buccellati around 1970 Very detailed texture of the fur, giving a realistic appearance The bear ...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Sterling Sculpture of a Strolling Bear
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Sterling Sculpture of a Strolling Bear Item e7249 Small sculpture of a strolling bear in sterling silver, cast in Germany in the 1st half of the 20th century. 61,3 gramm, 2.1...
Silver
Cast of a Silverplated Sitting Bear ca. 1930s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Cast of a Silverplated Sitting Bear ca. 1930s Item e7247 A lovely sculpture of a sitting bear made of casted metal and silverplated, Germany 1st half of the 20th century. 75,9 gramm,...
Silver
Tiny Sterling Cast of a Sitting Bear
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Tiny Sterling Cast of a Sitting Bear Item e7246 A lovely sculpture of a sitting bear casted in sterling silver, Germany 1st half of the 20th century. 17,1 gramm, 0,60 oz. A wonderful...
Silver
Vintage Silverplated Cast of a Strolling Bear
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Silverplated Cast of a Strolling Bear Item e7244 A lovely sculpture of a strolling bear made of silver plated metal cast, Germany 1st half of the 20th century. 83,3 gramm, 2....
Silver
