Recently a group of plucky SINHGers gathered at Washington Park on a beautiful spring morning. The occasion was the Charleston Ironworks walking tour led by our inestimable guide, Carol Ezell-Gilson.
This is a personal favorite—and arguably Carol’s best tour. We meandered on streets and lanes little known to many of us, glimpsing beautiful works of iron art—fencing, gates, balconies, etc., all of which managed to survive wars, fires, flooding, and even the earthquake of 1886. We learned much about the history of decorative ironwork in the city, and especially the art of Phillip Simmons, a black, native-born ironworker whose extraordinary pieces remain highly prized today.
It was a perfect day to be downtown. Charleston’s famous gardens were in early spring bloom and window boxes overflowed with flowers and greenery. Below are two photos: one of our group, and another of a Phillip Simmons gate. Be sure to look for this tour when we run it again next year!
Submitted by Carol Bane