Philip Simmons
Philip Simmons, renowned Charleston
blacksmith, designed these wrought iron
entrance gates and they were fabricated
at the Simmons Blacksmith Shop by his
apprentices Joseph Pringle (cousin) and
Carlton Simmons (nephew). The men
forged the gates into shape using
hammers and an 18th century anvil.
The design displays the symbolic
"scales of justice" and the state's
palmetto tree. The Simmon's signature
folded ends and tight curves
can be seen throughout the work.
Philip Simmons was born June 9, 1912
on Daniel Island. At the age of thirteen
he was hired as an apprentice to
Peter Simons (no relation). During
his 77 years of active practice, he created
over 1,000 pieces of iron and steel works.
His works are displayed at the
Smithsonian Institution's Natural
Museum of American History,
the Museum of International Folk Art,
and the South Carolina State Museum.
Mr. Simmons was inducted into
the South Carolina Hall of Fame in 1994.
Marker is on Richland Street, on the left when traveling east.
Courtesy hmdb.org
