Man with designs to make mint

STUART Leslie Devlin’s memory is carried in the wallets, handbags and pockets of many Australians.

The Geelong-born craftsman, who died on April 12 at 86, designed most of Australia’s decimal currency coins more than 50 years ago.

Born in 1931, Mr Devlin attended Geelong Technical School and became an art teacher, specialising in gold and silversmithing.

A talented craftsman, jeweller, and goldsmith, he was proud of designing the Sydney Olympic and Paralympic Games medals.

In 1982 his skills saw him granted the Royal Warrant of Appointment as goldsmith and jeweller to Queen Elizabeth.

After studying at the Royal College of Art in London, Mr Devlin rose to fame in 1964 when he won a competition to design the first decimal coins for Australia.

His early designs faced stern opposition as they focused too heavily on Australian industry.

But later designs encompassing the nation’s flora and fauna, and those used on the coins, drew acclaim.

The designs are now considered emblematic of our nation and also possess an engaging and natural component, experts say.

In 2016, commemorating the 50-year anniversary of the decimal currency in Australia, Mr Devlin told Fairfax: “Designing coins is really a marvellous thing to do, because millions of people around the world carry my work around in their pockets.”

Designing coins for many countries, he turned his attention in 1975 to the medals for the Australian honours system. 13 years later he was named an Officer of the order of Australia.

John Andrew, co-author of Designer British Silver, said: “(Devlin) introduced techniques which were entirely new. He mixed gold and silver, introduced filigree, tactile surfaces instead of just plain silver. He cut the chains of tradition. He was really very radical.”

Mr Devlin died with his wife, Carole, by his side at Chichester, in England.

A memorial service will be held in London at St Vedast Foster Lane, on June 20.