User:Philip Simmons Documentation Project

The Philip Simmons Documentation Project

Welcome to our Documentation Project Wikipedia page! You will find an in depth description of the Project.

THE PHILIP SIMMONS DOCUMENTATION PROJECT
From 2005-2009, Sunhead Projects followed Mr. Simmons with portable video and audio equipment.

THE PROJECT INCLUDES:

• Database with advanced mapping

• Interactive DVD (including an educational section)

• Coffee-Table Book

• Lesson Plans

• Audio Walking Tours

UPDATE
The Documentation Project is in immediate need for technological additions and upgrades. Sunhead Projects has accumulated 70+ hours of video footage, thousands of photographs, sketches and other Simmons memorabilia, which need to be transcribed, scanned and archived. Most importantly, a back-up system is needed.

DATABASE
Watch Video Here:

EXPLANATION OF DATABASE:

A comprehensive searchable database of Mr. Simmons’ work is the ultimate goal. '''

CURRENT STATUS OF DATABASE:

The database is currently housed at the Avery Research Center and is in need of a major upgrade in hardware and software. This database will work as a foundation for the entire Documentation Project and needs to be updated continually as works are found or have been sold, removed to other or unknown locations.

There are thousands of photographs, 70+ hours of video clips, scans and other memorabilia in need of digitizing and archiving. Each digitized item should be backed up and attached to the records in the database.

• Additional contact needs to be made with owners to verify if pieces are still on-site, and if not, try to find out where they are. With a searchable database, the Foundation will have the ability to "track" the pieces.

• Owners of ironworks by Simmons will receive a Certificate of Authenticity. The unsigned pieces will be stamped with the official “PS” marking as proof by students from the American College of the Building Arts (ACOBA). The database will be updated reflecting authenticity.

• The database will play an integral part of mapping out individual ironworks to be photographed for a comprehensive book, Philip Simmons: Life of Art in Iron (working title.)

• The database will be made available to public and private institutions.

• The database will be a key to creating the self-guided tours and scavenger hunts.

INTERACTIVE DVD
Watch Video Here:

'''

CURRENT STATUS OF DVD:

Since 2005, Sunhead Projects has accumulated 70+ hours of raw video footage including interviews with Mr. Simmons, drive-arounds with Mr. Simmons, narration by Mr. Simmons, interviews with family, clients and friends. There are also thousands of photographs and other memorabilia to be included in the interactive DVD.

EXPLANATION OF DVD:

An interactive DVD will have a menu for the user to navigate to the following:

•Documentary (60 minutes):

The DVD will include interviews with Mr. Simmons recalling a historical look at his life and work from the time he came to Charleston at age eight. It will encompass how he transformed his work from practical blacksmithing to decorative art. From ice pick to snake eyes, Mr. Simmons recounts a history of his art, his life and of Charleston from a unique perspective, captured by Sunhead Projects.

 • Behind the Scenes: Sculpting a Gate (20-30 minutes):'''

An educational video devoted to showing tips and tricks that Mr. Simmons has passed on to his cousin and nephew who currently operate his shop. The video will document the fabrication of a gate from start to finish with instruction from Joseph “Ronnie” Pringle (Mr. Simmons cousin) and students at ACOBA. This includes design drawings and installation.

 • See the Ironwork Close Up With Mr. Simmons Narration'''

An interactive map will allow users to click on specific neighborhoods in the Charleston area. With one click, the user will see photographs of Mr. Simmons’ pieces up close and personal. We will utilize various local talents for background music.

The documentary will include efforts by videographers, photographers, editors, script writers, historians, preservationists, archivists, musicians, voice talent and many other trades.

COFFEE TABLE BOOK
See video about the book here:

CURRENT STATUS OF THE BOOK:

Preliminary layouts have been created. A team of local photographers is needed to shoot specific neighborhoods with Mr. Simmons gates, grates, grills and all other pieces on record.

EXPLANATION OF THE BOOK:

• Using photographs, illustrated designs and maps, Sunhead Projects will design a “coffee table” type book highlighting the work of Mr. Simmons. This book will be marketed to public libraries, public and private undergraduate schools, and schools of architecture at colleges and universities across the country.

• The book will be sold on-line at the Foundation’s web site and in museum gift shops. Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com will be considered after the first year in publication or at the time of a second printing.

• Text will include a brief explanation about the ironwork, location and year (or approximate year) of creation. Personal stories by writers, curators, and friends who used Mr. Simmons’ services during his life will also be interspersed throughout the book.

• Photographs of paintings of Simmons’ work by John Jones, Paintings of Simmons by Mary Whyte, Rhett Wilson, Joe Pinckney, Molly B. Right. Elayna Shakur, Gazie Nagle and a collaboration with Jonathan Green with Philip Simmons will also be included. The Photograph of Simmons at the anvil by John Michael Vlach, maps, original drawings & sketches are also to be included.

• The “Yearbook” section – The last pages of the book will be designed in thumbnail style. There are over 800 works in iron and steel in Charleston alone. All works not featured in the main pages of the book will be included in this section.

• The feature of direct quotes of the master craftsman’s wisdom and those of owners, family, friends and admirers will bring another dimension to his works and to the book.

LESSON PLANS
See video about the Lesson Plans here:

CURRENT STATUS OF LESSON PLANS:

The Foundation's current Lesson Plans are in need of updates. The new plans will be media-rich and technologically driven allowing students to learn directly from the life and art of Mr. Simmons.

EXPLANATION OF LESSON PLANS:

• Plans include updating the Lesson Plans to accompany the DVD and book as an option for educators (K-12).

• The following subjects will be represented: Art, Language Arts, Civics/History, Math, and Science. The lesson plans reflect the knowledge needed to produce completed ironworks.

• The students will work hands-on through the exercises which include gate design details (mathematics), preservation and restoration (historical).