 Wrought iron  ecorative ironwork may be seen all around the city in balconies, gates, stair railings, vents, boot
scrapes, and decorative panels and finials. The city's ironwork, as it graces houses, churches and
civic structures, is undeniably one of its greatest architectural treasures.
The oldest remaining ironwork in the city dates to the Revolutionary War period, although ironwork
balconies appeared on Charleston houses as early as 1739. This early iron is wrought iron; iron which
has been molded and pounded into shape by a blacksmith using a forge, anvil and hammer. Wrought ironwork
of the 18th and 19th centuries features scrolls, fleur-de-lis, leaf and flower patterns, spears and
wiggletails. Philip Simmons, Charleston's best known blacksmith, has continued this time-honored craft
and has created some of the city's most treasured pieces.
 Cast iron
Oxidation, or rust, is the primary maintenance problem associated with ironwork. Ironwork should be cleaned and
painted as necessary to avoid deterioration. If problems go beyond routine maintenance, it is best to retain the
services of a qualified contractor to assess the situation.
Additional Resources
Preservation Brief #27, "The Maintenance and Repair of Architectural Cast Iron" by John G. Waite, AIA
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