Customer Reviews

Charleston Blacksmith: The Work of Philip Simmons

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a stirring and engaging account of a man whose life spans almost the whole century, who grew up in a fascinating environment, regularly crossing between worlds while he served an apprenticeship, and went on to cross between other worlds, a folk artist who is regarded by the art world as a peerless sculptor, whose work is exhibited in museums. THis is a great study by a preeminent folklorist that will interest anyone.

John Vlach gives us an interesting biographical study of Philip Simmons' blacksmithing in this richly illustrated book. The book begins with Simmons' accounts of his early life in the Sea Islands off Charleston's coast. He then describes how Simmons' life changed when he discovered the love of his life: blacksmithing. Vlach and Simmons provide enough context to show how he began learning the art. The book then gives us a portfolio of Simmons' work, with a special focus on the elaborate gates that epitomize much of his artistry. These photos were selected by Simmons, and Vlach provides fine commentary on each illustration. This commentary gives readers a better understanding of blacksmithing, and it trains the eye to examine this type of ironwork, thereby enhancing one's appreciation for Simmons' skill. One of my favorite chapters is a vibrant presentation of Simmons' work with apprentices. He describes interactions between Simmons and Willie Williams to provide a vivid depiction of the folklife of a blacksmith shop. This chapter reveals the passion that both artists feel for their work. The book's final chapters show how Simmons has been honored for his work, and they provide a fine tribute to his many accomplishments and his inspiring artistic vision.

Some of the best treasures in Charleston, South Carolina are the many decorative wrought-iron gates to be found throughout the Holy City. Chances are good that when you see such a gate, it was designed and forged by Charleston's own artisan and mater blacksmith, Philip Simmons. John Michael Vlach chronicles the life and work of Philip Simmons in Charleston Blacksmith: The Work of Philip Simmons. The book that I read was the 1992 Revised Edition.

As a graduate student in the 1970s, Vlach set out to research Simmons' work for the American Folklore Society. The research became an article, and eventually, this book. Charleston Blacksmith begins with a history of Simmons' life. Born on Daniel Island, he spent the first years of his life helping his family to farm and fish. They sent him to Charleston, however, for better educational opportunities. He fell in love with the decorative wrought-iron work he saw, and started hanging out at the workshop of blacksmith, Peter Simmons (no relation). He became an apprentice to Peter when he was 13, and when Peter had to be hospitalized for several months when Philip was in his late teens, Philip discovered that he could run the shop on his own. At that point, they became partners until Peter moved his shop to Mt. Pleasant and Philip struck out on his own. In his 97 years, he made quite an impact and his talent was recognized with a large number of impressive awards. Although his creations can be found all over the world, his hometown of Charleston is where his work is really show-cased.

Charleston Blacksmith is filled with drawings and photographs of Simmons' many gates. Vlach explains how they were made, and has pictures of Simmons at work. The author also includes a list of tools that Simmons used, as well as a glossary. The photographs of each gate give a history of the gate and the design, as well as a running commentary on Simmons' life. They also include the address of each gate, so you can actually use this book as a guide while walking around Charleston. My only wish for Charleston Blacksmith is that since Simmons' death in 2009, it would have been nice for Vlach to have published a Second Revised Edition. Simmons led an active life from 1992 until he died 17 years later.

Just last month, I had the pleasure to visit Philip Simmons humble cottage and workshop, which have been designated as historic sites. Fortunately, the work of Philip Simmons is continuing in his workshop through the craftsmen that he trained.

After visiting Charleston and meeting this wonderful, talented gentleman, I bought the book to learn more about him. It is well written and describes beautifully the wrought iron gates that he designed and built in this lovely city. If you've seen any of his work either in Charleston or the Smithsonian Museum, this book will add to your knowledge of this very talented African American, now 95 years old.

I am sorry, but I never read the book, but I purchased it as a gift for friend. However I had the pleasure of meeting Mr Simmons on a tour of Charleston, South Carolina in 1998. He is an incredibly lively person who is full of humor and has countless stories to share. I remember one in particular, when he spoke of his years as a boy when there were only horse & carriages for transportation. Then he said the age of the automobile came to be and folks would stop whatever they were doing to watch in awe as the automobile went by. Then he chuckled quietly as he descibed the same behavior today when a horse & carriage goes clamoring through town. There are no words to describe the artistic craftmanship of Mr. Simmons iron works, you simply have to see for yourself. As for Mr. Simmons, he is a proud yet humble man about his craft, his works and his life, you should meet him for yourself.