Stuart Devlin: Designer Goldsmith Silversmith

2017 | Art, Photography & Fashion

"Stuart Devlin was probably the most original and creative goldsmith and silversmith of his time, and one of the greats of all time. His originality of design marked him out as a master craftsman and his prolific output was a tribute to the width of his imagination." - Foreword by His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, June 2016. This book gives an idea of Stuart Devlin's extraordinary creativity, his skill, and the beauty of his work. It comprises over 500 pages with hundreds of images of Devlin's gold, silver and coins as well as his jewellery, sculpture and furniture. Many collectors will recognise pieces that they originally commissioned or have bought. Also shown are numerous sketches and working drawings. The short sections of text include concise captions and reviews from primary sources. Although it has been impossible to encompass everything ever designed or produced by Devlin, the book highlights how remarkable it is that this wealth of ideas was conceived by just one man. Stuart Devlin was a pioneer goldsmith who rejected the anonymity of corporate design during the 1960s. He adapted old techniques and devised many new ones.

His commissions include those for the Royal Households, cathedrals, the armed forces, sport and universities, as well as abundant private commissions. He is also a coin and medal designer. Australian born, recognition came to Devlin after designing the Australian decimal coinage in 1963. He has since designed coins for more than 30 countries. Stuart Devlin has been awarded a C.M.G. (Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George) for his contribution to the art of design, and is an Officer of the Order of Australia. He holds a Royal Warrant of Appointment as Goldsmith and Jeweller to Her Majesty The Queen. He was Prime Warden of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths from 1996 to 1997. He settled in Clerkenwell, London, in 1964 and over the years has employed 60 highly skilled craftsmen in his workshops. He now lives in the south of England. After a major stroke in 2011, his wife Carole and sister-in-law Victoria Kate Simkin started to work on his archive. It became the basis for this book, which has been compiled and edited by the two sisters, working with the book designer Andrew Milne. Stuart Devlin has been involved with its presentation at every stage.

Carole Devlin (Author)

Victoria Kate Simkin (Author)