Philip Simmons

Philip Simmons (June 9, 1912 - June 22, 2009) was an American artisan and blacksmith specializing in the craft of ironwork. Simmons spent 77 years as a blacksmith, focusing on decorative iron work. When he began his career, blacksmiths in Charleston made practical, everyday household objects, such as horseshoes. By the time he retired 77 years later, the craft was considered as art form rather than a practical profession.

Examples of Simmons' work, including iron gates, can be seen throughout the city of Charleston, South Carolina, as well as the rest of South Carolina Lowcountry. His pieces are displayed at the Smithsonian Museum, South Carolina State Museum, and even Paris, France, and China.

Read more about Philip Simmons:  Biography, Awards, Later Life

Famous quotes containing the word philip:

    I never drank of Aganippe well,
    Nor ever did in shade of Tempe sit,
    And muses scorn with vulgar brains to dwell;
    Poor layman I, for sacred rites unfit.
    Some do I hear of poets’ fury tell,
    But, God wot, wot not what they mean by it;
    And this I swear by blackest brook of hell,
    I am no pickpurse of another’s wit.
    —Sir Philip Sidney (1554–1586)