Artist in iron dies
Renowned Charleston blacksmith, Philip Simmons, was 97
Philip Simmons, whose skill with the hammer and anvil elevated him from a humble working man to an artisan widely recognized as a national treasure, died Monday night. He was 97.
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Philip Simmons June 9, 1912- June 22, 2009
Philip Simmons, 97, passed away Monday evening.
The renowned blacksmith died in his sleep at Bishop Gadsden retirement home surrounded by family.
Simmons' great popularity can't be explained simply by his ability to bend iron. He also was one of the gentlest Charlestonians of his time.
As he carried on a craft practiced in Charleston since the 1730s, Simmons also became one of the city's most well-known ambassadors. Thousands of visitors to Charleston stopped by his house and forge at 30 1/2 Blake St. either to watch him at work or to listen to him tell tales.
And every visitor here passed one of his gates, whether they recognized it or not. His work remains all over the Lowcountry, and it also stands in the Smithsonian, the South Carolina State Museum in Columbia and as far away as Paris and China.
Simmons realized he wanted to pursue this trade soon after he moved to downtown Charleston from Daniel Island in 1920 to go to school at Buist Academy. He later designed the arch over its entry gate, one of the best examples of his unique lettering style.
Read more about Philip Simmons
Master blacksmith Simmons part of national celebration: Charleston's Philip Simmons joins 75 other artisans on the National Mall, published 06/27/01
Blacksmith sparks interest during I'On visit, published 03/28/02
Blacksmith Simmons marks 90th, published 06/10/02
Zoning board gives ironworker a place in history, published 05/17/06
Celebrated blacksmith builds on his legacy; At nearly 94, Simmons still is shaping the future , published 06/04/06
As Simmons walked to Buist, he began noticing and admiring the wrought iron along Charlotte Street. He eventually passed by the shop of blacksmith Peter Simmons (no relation) and was intrigued. He began an apprenticeship there at age 13 and became a full-blown blacksmith five years later.
His 77 years at the forge spanned two eras. When he began, blacksmiths were sort of like car mechanics of their day, making horseshoes and other practical items. By the time he laid his hammer down a few years ago, blacksmithing was seen as more of an art form.
He set out on his own in the 1930s, but it was his meeting up with Charleston businessman Jack Krawcheck a decade later that set Simmons on his path to greatness.
Krawcheck requested a wrought iron gate for the rear of his King Street clothing store, and Simmons fashioned one out of scrap because World War II made acquiring new iron next to impossible. He then delivered his first gate, the first of more than 30 pieces for the Krawcheck family.
But that's just a tiny slice. A recent effort to catalog his work turned up more than 500 separate iron gates, fences, columns, window grills and other works, said Steve Lepre, who recently drove Simmons around to try to create a definitive documentation of his legacy. Simmons designed and forged five gates along Stolls Alley alone.
And those 500 pieces don't include the pokers, tools, and shutter dogs that Simmons also crafted to make a living. "There's a lot of that small stuff that's out there," Lepre said. "He was putting food on the table for many years."
The Post and Courier
Philip Simmons on his 95th birthday in 2007.
Simmons even fastened a car cupholder out of clothes hangars in 1970 for someone's Volvo. "He was always inventive, an inventor," Lepre said.
Today, his most prominent local pieces include the gazebo inside the Charleston International Airport, the gates outside the Charleston Visitors Center, the egret gates at Waterfront Park, the Gadsden house gate at 329 East Bay St., the gate at 2 St. Michael's Alley, the railings and window grilles at 45 Meeting St., and the heart gates at his church, St. John's Reformed Episcopal Church at 91 Anson St.
John Michael Vlach chronicled Simmons' life and work in a book published in 1981 and updated 11 years later.
"At the outset of his career he took orders; now he gives them," Vlach wrote in a separate essay in "The Buildings of Charleston."
"In the midst of his time-bound trade and even while preserving the historic appearance of Charleston, he remains his own man. He has found self-expression in the communal tradition."
Simmons also repaired many of the city's most famous gates created by the city's earliest artisans, such as the famous Sword Gates on Legare Street. "He pointed to it exactly and said, 'I replaced these six leaves,' " Lepre said, adding that Simmons kept a pile of historic ironwork in his yard so he could repair old pieces with metal of a similar age. "He was the first iron preservationist."
Eventually, the recognition began to flow. In 1982, the National Endowment for the Arts gave him its National Heritage Fellowship because of the authenticity, excellence and significance of his work.
During his acceptance speech, according to Vlach's "Charleston Blacksmith, The Work of Philips Simmons," he took the stage shortly after a blues duo performed and explained his work like this: "My instrument is an anvil. I guess some of you have heard me play ... a tune on the anvil, the old blacksmith tune. ... I'm proud of that anvil, really proud. ... That anvil fed me when I was hungry and that anvil clothed me when I was naked. That anvil put shoes on my feet."
Simmons' last piece was for a new federal courthouse in Columbia named after Judge Matthew Perry, but his forge continued to hum with work by his cousin Joseph "Ronnie" Pringle and his nephew Carlton Simmons.
After he could no longer wield a hammer, he kept at it with his pencil. The wrought iron at Liberty Square in Charleston and at the Philip Simmons Park on Daniel Island are his designs forged by others.
While his formal education ended after the sixth grade, he eventually received an honorary degree from S.C. State University in 2006.
Simmons also gave back to the community, serving as a longtime Scout leader on the city's East Side neighborhood and served on the board of trustees at his church.
His motto, which he had framed and hung inside his home, was: "If you want your prayers answered, you have to get off your knees and hustle."
His blacksmith shop has migrated across the peninsula and has been listed on the National Trust for Historic Preservation's list of 11 Most Endangered Sites list. Efforts are under way to raise money to buy the property from the family and preserve it as a landmark to Simmons' life and work.
Rossie Colter is the project administrator for the Philip Simmons Foundation, a nonprofit organization that was formed to promote Simmons'work.
"We need to continue his legacy," Colter said. "He will always be a part of us. We can walk around and touch what he made."
Up until the end, Simmons' mind remained sharp even as his hands, eyes and hearing started slipping away.
Simmons is survived by a daughter, Lillian Gilliam; a son, Philip Simmons Jr.; a sister, Rebecca Comings; 16 grandchildren; and several great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Arrangements are being handled by Harleston-Boags Funeral Home.
Reach Robert Behre at 937-5771 or at rbehre@postandcourier.com.
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Comments
MC29461 (anonymous) says...
Mr. Simmons was a strong quiet gentleman whose love of his fellow man equaled his artistic talents. He was willing to share his time with all.
His memory will live on forever in his work.
June 23, 2009 at 1:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sardis12 (anonymous) says...
A true loss to the community, but what a legacy he leaves behind for generations to enjoy. RIP...
June 23, 2009 at 2:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SuzieQJones (anonymous) says...
A wonderful gentleman and a great talent. The world is a sadder place today. Lillian, so sorry for your loss. Your Dad will be greatly missed.
June 23, 2009 at 4:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lloyd007 (anonymous) says...
Charleston and The Country as a whole , has loss a true American Treasure.I had the pleasure of meeting this giant of a man once. what stood out formost was the sheer humble spirit within him. He was truly a class act. I extend my heartfelt condolence to the entire family.Each of you are in my prayers...
June 23, 2009 at 4:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moorech (anonymous) says...
Mr. Simmons was a great American. His work will live forever. Charleston is blessed to have had him.
June 23, 2009 at 5:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lifeisprecious (anonymous) says...
I wonder what Mr. Simmons will think when he sees those pearly gates....how fortunate we are to have known him.
June 23, 2009 at 6:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moonpie (anonymous) says...
His work is just something to see. And he did it the old fashion way, by hand!
RIP Sir. Condolences to the family.
June 23, 2009 at 6:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
TsQc (anonymous) says...
I was just on a Carriage Tour downtown last weekend, and although I already knew about him, still seeing all the work he had done was amazing..What a talent...Thank You Mr. Simmons.
June 23, 2009 at 6:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
studley (anonymous) says...
What a man, what a life.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
I trust that Mr. Simmons is in Heaven.
June 23, 2009 at 6:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mb300sl (anonymous) says...
"If you want your prayers answered, you have to get off your knees and hustle."
A geart craftsman and a wise and true gentleman...RIP.
June 23, 2009 at 6:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
shoelaces (anonymous) says...
Indeed a national treasure has passed on to see those other famous gates.....
Hoping those who follow in lead will do him and his trade the justice and honor deserved.
June 23, 2009 at 7:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
alliecat0817 (anonymous) says...
Beautiful article. RIP Brother Simmons.
June 23, 2009 at 7:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tc1 (anonymous) says...
A great role model for ALL humans. Not because of his tremendous skill and talent but because of his attitude, ethic and demeanor.
RIP
June 23, 2009 at 8:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rld1771 (anonymous) says...
What a great man, may he now have his greater reward in heaven!
June 23, 2009 at 8:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CHRISJIII (anonymous) says...
Farewell to a true Charleston original and ambassador of the arts.
June 23, 2009 at 8:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tammie (anonymous) says...
I had the pleasure of meeting him when I was in school. A humble and wonderful man. R.I.P. Mr. Simmons and my condolences to your family. Your greatness will live on forever!
June 23, 2009 at 8:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCdeacinNYC (anonymous) says...
So sad to read this. I was just telling a friend that is visiting Charleston this summer to absolutely make sure to see some of his work.
What a loss to the Charleston area and this country as a whole. His work was only half as amazing as the life he lived. My condolences to his family, he will be missed.
June 23, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vuduchld (anonymous) says...
This morning, our nation lost one of it's greatest ambassadors, Phillip Simmons. I remember dad taking me to Mr. Simmons shop on Blake street growing up, the shop was dark, the area burning bright with the fire of his trade, and the anvil, where he used to pound and pound the iron to create his masterpieces. My parents home in Mt. Pleasant has several pieces of Mr. Simmons work, notably the "open iron gate" that divides the living and dining areas as well as outside front and sides of the house. In fact, it was not too long ago that my sister found the original drawings to these pieces.
Mr. Simmons represented the good of the citizens in my birth city, he was a treasure that I was so fortunate to have known. Today Charleston, still the most beautiful and Holy City, is a little less so with the loss of Mr. Simmons. His works will stand the test of time!
June 23, 2009 at 10:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yird (anonymous) says...
A one in a million man!
June 23, 2009 at 10:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Rggr (anonymous) says...
What a treasure! My thoughts are with the family and the entire community for their loss.
June 23, 2009 at 10:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
michaelene (anonymous) says...
God Loves him Those 'pearly" gates, ought to be iron Ones, as a special welcome....until he goes through.
Chrleston would not have the identity without Mr. Simmons work. It would not be Charleston. I didn't know him, but I shall miss him....just knowing his works are stilled forever.
June 23, 2009 at 11:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
summerville_guy (anonymous) says...
Great article on a great man. I think Mr. Simmons should always be remembered for his incredible contributions to Charleston, and the Post & Courier has helped to document his legacy over the past few years.
June 23, 2009 at 12:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
captivated (anonymous) says...
A true Charleston icon. Rest in peace Mr. Simmons. Your work here is done and you will not be forgotten.
June 23, 2009 at 12:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Moontree (anonymous) says...
Well said yird. Truly a special man with a special gift. Rest in peace.
June 23, 2009 at 12:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
TLG87 (anonymous) says...
On a recent trip to Drayton Hall, the tour guide spoke about Mr. Simmons and his fine work. What a great article about someone who's contributed such beautiful work to so many places.
June 23, 2009 at 12:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
GeecheeBoi84 (anonymous) says...
Man....... Mr. Simmons will be TRULY missed. I still remember the Buist field trips we'd take as kids, walking around looking at his art, and even stopping by his house and having him speak to us. Years later, I'd see him year after year at Gallery Chuma, signing autographs on the mats of John Jones' detailing of his work. I'd sit and trip with him while setting up for the day, and again while taking down the display in the store. Everything this article mentions, he was, and more! And INDEPENDENT; he had to be 94 or 95 last I saw him, and he still would get up and move around on his own, hold the door for YOU and even try to help YOU if your hands were full. One in a million, God bless em.... Rest In Peace!
June 23, 2009 at 1:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
spinckney (anonymous) says...
Charleston has lost a gem and a wonderful part of this city's history. Even with all that he achieved, he continued to live in his little home on Blake Street and use the money that he earned to give scholarships to disadvantaged children in the city. I hope the city pays him the proper tribute that he deserves.
R.I.P Mr. Simmons, job well done. Take your rest.
June 23, 2009 at 2:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SylviaHyman (anonymous) says...
Phillip Simmons, someone I was honored to call friend.
Phillip was dessert to my soul.I respected him for his integrity and sincerity, not only in his work but in his words. He was the strongest gentle man I have ever know. He told me my hands were blessed and that we were alike. We were both artist it is true, but I only wish I were like him, someone who makes you feel safe, sure, and valued. Someone who lived his faith. Now the creator of beautiful gates has stepped through the most beautiful of all gates into the welcoming arms of his creator. I'll see you later Phillip.
Love, Sylvia
June 23, 2009 at 2:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarson1 (anonymous) says...
My Daddy took us often to Phillip's shop on Concord Street, I think, and then on Blake Street. He was a Dear Friend of both my Parents, who are now deceased, and as he,were members of St John R E Church on Anson Street. We too have several peices that Phillip made as well as the hand rail that still is in place outside at the front steps. I am so Blessed to have known such a Wonderful Man. Lillian your Dad was One in a Million.... Be Blessed!
June 23, 2009 at 2:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
raerhino (anonymous) says...
What a sad, sad, sad day for the residents of the Lowcountry and what a loss for this nation. I met Mr. Phillip on multiple occasions and look at him everyday, as I have a poster with his beautiful gates and beautiful, weathered face hanging in my living area. He was a wonderful person and could tell a story like nobody's business. I loved talking to him and learning more about the old days as well as getting to know him through the years. I know Heaven is a much better place today because you are there, Mr. P., but I will certainly miss your shining spirit here on earth. RIP, Mr. Phillip.
June 23, 2009 at 2:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lovely_One (anonymous) says...
A co-worker and I were just talking about Mr. Simmons yesterday. What a wonderful man who possessed a wonderful skill and even more wonderful spirit. RIP Mr. Simmons, you will be truly missed!
June 23, 2009 at 3:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
burton (anonymous) says...
"What you do speaks so loud, I can't hear what you say! -
Ralph Waldo Emerson
I had the pleasure of meeting the great icon Mr. Simmons many years ago. I'm so glad I got to meet and talk to him if only for a few minutes. My condolences to the Simmons family.
June 23, 2009 at 4:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Mabilene (anonymous) says...
What a treasure Charleston has lost -- people have come from all over to see Mr. Simmons' work.
Hopefully he is busy on his greatest masterpiece ever!
June 23, 2009 at 4:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Chicago_Thug (anonymous) says...
Just saw some of his story on the news, very remarkable. A true loss but a good soul that will have made changes that will be with us for a long time.
RIP
June 23, 2009 at 5:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
smalltownrumor (anonymous) says...
The ancient Egyptians believed as long as your name was remembered, you lived. If this is true, Mr. Simmons will live forever.
June 23, 2009 at 5:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCVOTER (anonymous) says...
Finally...a P&C comment section without any racist BS...I had to look twice to see what paper I was reading.
June 23, 2009 at 5:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
McBear (anonymous) says...
Artist- artisan- community leader- his story is long and his life and his love was large. Maybe his gates were not meant to separate, but to provide a place where one would cross over.
June 23, 2009 at 6:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tallblonde (anonymous) says...
I too met Mr Simmons years ago and sat with him for over 2 hours while he told me stories and how he "finds the design the metal is looking for"....One thing he told me that I'll always remember is that his gates are never meant to seperate - but to "welcome in". It was an absolutely fascinating bit of time that I'll always remember. My thoughts go out to his family - who I know treasured him even more than we in Charleston do.
June 23, 2009 at 7:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MRSCVS (anonymous) says...
What a wonderful and blessed man.
Earth has lost a angel and Heaven has gain one!
Rest In Peace Mr.Simmons!!!!
June 23, 2009 at 7:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
stanish (anonymous) says...
While I did not personally know Mr. Simmons, just reading some of the posters who knew him is awe inspiring. The comment left by SPinckney really broke my heart. This noble gentleman donated his OWN money to give scholarships to the disadvantage and needy children speaks volume in itself! God has a "special" place reserved in heaven for you. RIP Mr. Simmons, for your work down here was WELL DONE! You're right @SCVOTER, it is refreshing to read articles without all the racial overtones.
June 23, 2009 at 7:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sgtwitherspoon (anonymous) says...
I would like to see a major public project dedicated to the memory of and named after Mr. Simmons. His dedication and life's effort has contributed at least at much to the culture and character of Charleston as any political professional.
June 23, 2009 at 9:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dontpostmuch (anonymous) says...
I met Mr. Simmons about 5 yrs ago when I went on a tour...we stopped at his house and his daughter was in the back room cooking something while he was sitting in the front room watching tv.
He invited me to come sit by him on his couch and started asking me questions. Even though so small in stature, I was overwhelmed by his presense. He was such a sweet, quiet man who didn't have a lot to say but certainly captured your attention. We returned to his shed later in the day and purchased a wrought iron heart and he came out to the front of his house and spoke to me for about 15 minutes.
I will never forget him, he probably had the kindest, most lively eyes I had ever seen. God rest his soul.
June 23, 2009 at 10:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jammer (anonymous) says...
RIP Sir... thanks for all your hard work and the legacy you left behind, Charleston will forever be framed in your sweat
your work will stand for hundreds of years as a testament of how hard work is the way to reach immortality, rather than the fast dollar that dies as fast as some of the lives trying to steal it...
June 23, 2009 at 11:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jammer (anonymous) says...
we should erect one of his gates on each side of the beginning of the pedstrian walk path of the Arthur Ravenel Bridge... and rename that bridge the Philip Simmons bridge for a true hero and memorial
June 23, 2009 at 11:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
George (anonymous) says...
I had the privilege to share glasses of iced tea with Mr. Simmons some years back while passing through Charleston on vacation. My wife and I wanted to see local Charleston. The city tourist office steered us into the proper tours, but we insisted on the seeing the real Charleston. As I recall, our small tour group consisted of a German couple and some lost people from Atlanta. With such a small group, Mr. Simmons graciously welcomed us into his workshop, inviting us to join him for an iced tea and conversation. I can't remember the words we exchanged the weather, San Francisco, his work, his grandchildren? but I remember his face, his charm, and his warm personality like yesterday. I mourn the passing of a fine and gracious Charlestonian.
June 23, 2009 at 11:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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