Philip Simmons, the renowned Charleston blacksmith, died Monday at the age of 97.  His decorative ironwork can be found throughout South Carolina and elsewhere, including the Smithsonian Institution.  Here in Columbia, you can see his work at the State Museum and on the third level of our own Main Library!  He has been presented with numerous awards, including the Order of the Palmetto, the National Heritage Fellowship of the National Endowment for the Arts and induction into the South Carolina Hall of Fame.  Over the years, many magazines have published great articles on Philip Simmons.

Ironwork by Simmons displayed on the third level of the Main Library.

The November 2006 issue of Charleston Magazine features an article on the Philip Simmons Project.  The Philip Simmons Foundation received grants to document and begin preservation on Simmons' pieces, many of which are unmarked and unknown.  Some pieces have been stolen from properties, while other homes featuring his work are in disrepair and at risk from new development.  The article includes lovely pictures of Simmons and his artwork.

Hunt, Stephanie. Charleston Magazine. Nov 2006, vol. 20 iss. 12, p. 138-149.

Charleston Magazine also did a profile article on Simmons in their January/February issue of 2000.  The article discusses the artist's life, work and personality.  In addition to pictures of Simmons' work, some of his design sketches are included.

Hunt, Stephanie. Charleston Magazine. Jan/Feb 2000, vol. 14 iss. 1, p. 54-57.

The May 2005 issue of Martha Stewart Living includes an article on Charleston's ironwork in general, with specific focus on Simmons.  The discussion of the history of ornamental ironwork in general is quite interesting, and the photographs include Simmons' work among other iron artists'.

Kreamer, Anne. Martha Stewart Living. May 2005, iss. 138, p. 76-78.

Additionally, the library has several books and films on Simmons and his work.

Charleston Blacksmith: The Work of Philip Simmons

Catching the Fire: Philips Simmons, Blacksmith

Keeper of the Gate: The Life and Works of Philip Simmons