Rarely do we look at our coins and truly appreciate the design and craftsmanship that went into creating them. Most of you will be unfamiliar with the name Stuart Devlin, the Australian designer behind the iconic coins that are so uniquely Australian.
Devlin has remained virtually unknown in Australia, despite his prolific career in Europe and being described as ‘the best designer of the 20th century’.
An exhibition of his work – The Designer with the Midas Touch – opened at the Royal Australian Mint on 16 December 2016, fifty years after his decimal coins went into circulation.
“This exhibition tells the story of Stuart’s life work, from his design of Australia’s circulating currency released in 1966, through to his appointment as jeweller and goldsmith to the Queen,” Royal Australian Mint Creative Director Frederica Heacock says.
Devlin was awarded a scholarship for metal work at the young age of thirteen and went on to attend universities in London and New York. He designed coins for 30 other countries, including the United Kingdom and Singapore and went on to be the jeweller and goldsmith for Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
“I like the fact that millions of people around the world carry my work in their pockets,” says Devlin.
Now in his mid-80s, living in the United Kingdom, Devlin is delighted to be acknowledged fifty years after Australia’s circulating coinage was launched.
The exhibition is comprised of several phenomenal pieces from Devlin’s personal collection, on loan to the Mint until the end of April, 2017.
Local designers are lining up to catch a glimpse of the collection, including Dr Geoff Hinchcliff, Head of Design at ANU.
“It’s impossible not to be struck by the finesse of his work and the attention to detail,” says Hinchcliff.
Ian Wong, senior lecturer at Monash University describes Devlin’s design of circulating currency as being as culturally significant as the Australian flag and the national anthem.
“It’s the experience all Australians have – buying lollies, donating to someone who’s shaking a tin – the coins are a part of our every day,” Wong says.
The Mint will also be releasing a collectable commemorative coin in Devlin’s honour featuring a kangaroo and joey, based on his original 1966 concept for the two cent piece.
This historical exhibition is an exploration of Devlin’s influence on 20th century international art. The Designer with the Midas Touch is an eye-opening experience that recognises Australia’s unsung design hero.
