New Orleans blacksmith preserves centuries-old ironwork tradition

NEW ORLEANS (Aging Untold) — In New Orleans, the city’s architecture is often framed in iron. Centuries of old balconies, fences and gates have survived fires and hurricanes. At Andrew’s Welding and Blacksmith Shop, Darryl Reeves is one of the few who still carry on the tradition. His grandfather was a blacksmith as well. Reeves remembers being shooed away as a boy from his grandfather’s shop, but the memory of the blacksmith stuck with him. “We used to just pass through and just watch these guys beat on this metal with the sparks and all,” Reeves said. “I think that had a lot of influence with me enjoying to work with metal.” Crafting iron by hand Reeves said he loves taking a raw piece of metal and transforming it. “That’s what gives me joy,” Reeves said. “How many people get to beat on metal, especially if you’re frustrated with something and get it out? How many people do that?” From iron hinges to hand-forged designs like metal leaves, Reeves makes what he needs, including his iro