Help Preserve the Legacy of Philip Simmons

As the Charleston area continues to honor and remember the life and work of celebrated blacksmith Philip Simmons, who passed away last month at the age of 97, the Philip Simmons Foundation is continuing its mission to raise money to document his work and restore his Charleston home and workshop.

Daniel Island residents and visitors who want to help with this effort need go no further than Daniel Island’s Sales and Information Center on River Landing Drive. Here, the Foundation is offering for sale signed prints of artist John Jones’ painting of Daniel Island’s Simmons Park. Mr. Simmons designed the gate and Daniel Island logo that are prominently displayed at this urban park in the heart of Daniel Island’s downtown. Born on Daniel Island in 1912, Mr. Simmons is an important part of the island’s history. This park was dedicated in his honor in 2001.

For the month of August, Daniel Island residents may purchase prints of this painting, signed by both Philip Simmons and the artist, for a special price of $45. All proceeds benefit the Philip Simmons Foundation. Simply stop by the sales center at 101 River Landing Drive to check it out. And while you’re there, be sure to peruse Mr. Simmons’ own original sketches that areon display throughout the building’s first floor.

For an informative look at Mr. Simmons’ life and work in words, pictures and music, check out the video below, produced as a tribute to Mr. Simmons by Mark McKinney and partner Steve Lepre at Sunhead Projects. They are working with the Philip Simmons Foundation on a multimedia “Documentation Project” to archive more than 600 pieces of existing ironworks attributed to Mr. Simmons.

Philip Simmons Tribute from Sunhead Projects on Vimeo.

Philip Simmons: 1912-2009

Just two weeks ago, we reported on the life and work of Philip Simmons in celebration of the master blacksmith’s 97th birthday. This week we mourn the loss of this Charleston icon and accomplished artisan. Philip Simmons died peacefully in his sleep on Monday, June 22.

Born on Daniel Island in 1912, Mr. Simmons has long been a fixture of our community. Fortunately his memory will be forever preserved at Simmons Park in the center of town, and through the good work of the Philip Simmons Foundation. He will always be with us in spirit!

Happy Birthday Philip Simmons!

A Charleston icon and long-time friend of Daniel Island is celebrating his 97th birthday this week. Master blacksmith Philip Simmons was born right here on Daniel Island on June 9, 1912.

His birthday gives us reason to reflect upon the artistic influence Mr. Simmons has had on Daniel Island and Charleston. To start with, anyone who has seen the Daniel Island logo is familiar with Mr. Simmons’ work – he custom designed the popular insignia when plans for developing the island first began.

“The Palmetto tree represents the state tree, the wavy lines at the bottom of the tree represent the rivers and creeks I fished in as a kid growing up on the island, and the large scrolls represent the waves of the nearby Atlantic Ocean,” Mr. Simmons explained during a visit to the island several years ago. He still enjoys visiting and talking about his “home town,” and he has made appearances here at special events like the Family Circle Cup and Park Day over the years.

Mr. Simmons left Daniel Island at the age of eight to attend school in downtown Charleston. It was here that he met a local blacksmith, became an apprentice and eventually put his creative talents to work. Today his original ironwork designs are on display in private collections and museums around the country.

Here in Charleston, all you have to do is take a walk around town to view his work (click here for a map). On Daniel Island, Simmons Park is a prominent park at the center of town that includes an original gate and reproduction of his Daniel Island logo design. Wander around downtown Charleston and you’ll see his original ironwork everywhere, particularly the famous gates that grace homes and civic buildings throughout the peninsula.

Much has been done to preserve the legacy of Mr. Simmons’ work. The Philip Simmons Foundation was created over 15 years ago to raise money to develop a commemorative garden in his honor at St. John’s Reformed Episcopal Church in downtown Charleston. More recently, the Foundation has been raising funds to restore Mr. Simmons’ downtown home and workshop as a National Historic Site. The National Trust for Historic Preservation listed the property among the top 11 most endangered places in America in 2007, and the Foundation has been successful in securing several grants to get the restoration project off the ground.

In honor of Mr. Simmons’ birthday this week, we’ve put together the following photo gallery highlighting some of his work and previous visits to Daniel Island. Happy Birthday Philip!

Simmons Park Welcomes You to Daniel Island

Daniel Island is known for its commitment to parks, trails and open spaces. In fact, more than 400 acres of parks are integrated throughout the island’s landscape. In this video – the first in a series about the island’s many parks – Jeff Elliott, Senior Project Manager for the island’s master developer, talks about the highlights of Simmons Park, located in the heart of downtown Daniel Island.