A shining example of Stuart Devlin’s gilt and silversmith artistry is tipped to excel at auction.
An elaborate and rare 1970s centrepiece bowl complete with exquisite floral decorations will spark excitement among collectors keen to acquire vintage Devlin works.
The large circular shallow bowl, estimate £3,000-£5,000, is thought to be a commission piece, making it a scarce find. Hallmarked London 1972, it has a stylish plain outer design with thick silver rim border and a fixed frame. Devlin’s love of nature’s and skill come to the fore inside the bowl which houses silver lily pads, most with detachable and elaborate 24ct gold vermeil silver gilt lily flowers. The lot also includes a loose separate frame with three lily pads, a central 24ct vermeil silver gilt lily flower and a Devlin frog hallmarked London 1973.
Daniel Armstrong, silver valuer at Hansons Auctioneers, said: “This piece exemplifies the magic and mastery of Devlin. It was most likely commissioned which would make it a rare limited-edition design. It’s been created in such a way that the lily pads can be added to the bowl at the owner’s discretion. It’s possible the original purchaser may have bought separate pieces to create one striking object.
“Whatever thinking went into this piece 52 years ago, it is a stunning example of Devlin’s incredible ability to craft beautiful works of art from silver and gilt. He was a master of his craft and is hugely admired by collectors all over the world. Vintage designs made by Devlin in the 1970s and 80s are sought after today.”
Stuart Devlin (1931-2018) was an Australian-born artist and metalworker who specialised in gold and silversmithing. As well as designing coins and medals for 36 countries around the world, he became well known as a London-based designer of collectors’ items.
He moved to London in 1965 and opened a small workshop. This marked the beginning of Devlin’s own style, which often took the form of limited editions, the most popular being Easter eggs and Christmas boxes, now collectors’ items.
He adapted and devised new techniques to produce a wide variety of textures and filigree forms, and became well known in London’s West End, producing a new collection each year. He had a prestigious showroom in Conduit Street from 1979 until 1985. In 1982, Devlin was granted the Royal Warrant of Appointment as Goldsmith and Jeweller to Her Majesty the Queen.
He designed furniture, interiors, jewellery and commissioned pieces of all types, including trophies, clocks, centrepieces, goblets, candelabra, bowls, and insignia. In 1966 a Devlin fine silver sculpture was commissioned by Ford of Britain to celebrate the release of the new Mk IV Ford Zephyr and Zodiac range of motor vehicle,
Devlin also designed precious coins for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and medals for the founding awards of the Australian honours system in 1975: the Order of Australia, the Australian Bravery Decorations and the National Medal.
Auction: The Stuart Devlin bowl, which is 43.5cm diameter x 6.3cm high (excluding separate lily pads), and frog, 2.3cm high, will be offered at Hansons Auctioneers’ Richmond saleroom in London on September 30.
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London auction entries invited
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