Berkeley County Middle College High School issued the following announcement on February 23.
In recognition of Black History Month, Eliza Hardman's art students at Philip Simmons Middle recently completed projects reflecting the work of their school's namesake.
Philip Simmons was born on Daniel Island in 1912 and was raised by his grandparents before he was sent to Charleston in 1920 to live with his mother. He took an interest in the craftspeople in his neighborhood — particularly the work of Peter Simmons (no relation), who ran a smithy in downtown Charleston. After a five-year apprenticeship, Philip Simmons became a full blacksmith and started doing ornamental ironwork. His work is still highly recognized in Charleston. Throughout his career he created more than 500 separate pieces including iron balconies, window grilles, fences and gates.
Simmons retired at the age of 75 but continued to teach the craft to younger artisans. The high school, middle school and elementary school all have different items that reflect Simmons’ work. The hallways in all three schools have ornamental floor inlays at different intersections reflecting themes commonly found in his work. The actual ironwork of the gates themselves are common themes for individual and group projects around the schools. Recently, Philip Simmons Elementary first-graders learned about the life of Philip Simmons, and created their own artwork inspired by his iron gates.
Such was the case for Hardman's Art 1 students, who watched a documentary clip about his life and work, and then used a map to locate some of his featured gates in downtown Charleston. They then drew sketches of his work, and designed their own gates inspired by the characteristics of Simmons's work. They wrapped it all up by using watercolor to create dynamic abstract backgrounds.
Original source can be found here.
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