In Charelston Virginia, there’s a artist by the name of Phillip Simmons. Phillip Simmons iron art is known well for his architectural iron designs. Also known as a low country blacksmith, this artist spends most his days, crafting art and designs from tools, old wrought iron, fire pokers and even horseshoes laying around his foundry.

Phillip Simmons Iron Art

Mr Simmons is no longer with us, he passed away a decade ago, at the age of 97. Though you can find his art in the Smithsonian Art Institute as well as art houses in Paris. Nowhere is his art more revered than in Charelston itself. Phillip Simmons artwork can be found all through out the town itself. Simmons is most known for his wrought iron gate work he started in the 1940’s and was in high demand during World War II when iron was not readily available, that is when Phillip Simmons found scrap iron as his main source material for his work.

Phillip Simmons created over 500 private iron pieces for homes for people in and around Charleston. Mr Simmons legacy lives on in Charleston, where his family have created a museum and bookstore based on his work over the years.

The Philip Simmons Foundation also ensures that his legacy lives on with everything from sterling silver jewelry fashioned in shapes inspired Simmons’ memorable works.

But you don’t have to stop in the Charleston store or shop to see his work. Take your very own walking tour around the peninsula to behold his works everywhere from the Philip Simmons Garden at 91 Anson Street to the driveway gate of the mansion at 138 Wentworth Street to Simmons’ very first walkway gate. Artist like Phillip Simmons are harder and harder to find today, finding iron jewels like these and others, make it all worth it.