Philip Simmons

Many years ago I had the honor and great privilege of meeting and spending a little time speaking with a living legend.  Yes.  A walking talking piece of history.  His name was Philip Simmons.
  

Philip Simmons in his workshop behind his house in downtown Charleston, SC.

One Christmas season years ago a group of friends and I all went on a Gullah Tour in lovely Charleston, South Carolina, led by the incomparable Alphonso Brown.

Alphonso and Philip Simmons were good friends at the time, so Mr. Simmons allowed Alphonso to bring groups to his house and workshop to see him as part of the tour!  I know...unbelievable, but I promise you I am telling you the truth.

If you ever find yourself in Charleston, SC, I would recommend you take a Gullah Tour even though Philip Simmons is no longer with us.  His gorgeous ironwork survives all over the city, and you will see it on this tour.

Philip Simmons was a blacksmith.  Born on Daniel Island, SC, June 9, 1912.  He moved to Charleston at eight years old and attended the Buist School.  During those tender years he became fascinated with the blacksmiths and ironwork in the area, and he ended up doing an apprenticeship in one of the blacksmith shops thus beginning his long and prosperous career.

Mr. Simmons' work is presently displayed in the Smithsonian as well as many other museums and places of honor around the country.

If you'd like to read more about him, click HERE or simply watch the video below.

Enjoy!