Philip Simmons (b. 1912) is a blacksmith in the old tradition. At the age of 12 he dropped out of school and started his apprenticeship as an ironworker with Charleston native, Peter Simmons (no relation).
Although his work ranges from ornamental fences, stair rails to window grills, he is most famous for his gates that contain elaborate designs of animals and trees. His work adorns the city of Charleston from end to end. He has been recognized on both the state and national levels, receiving honors from the Smithsonian Museum and the National Endowment for the Arts. He is now semi-retired but continues to design ironworks in Charleston, South Carolina.
