Blacksmith Darryl Reeves Restores New Orleans Ironwork

Darryl Reeves is one of the few remaining blacksmiths in New Orleans who actively restores the city's historic ironwork. He operates Andrew’s Welding and Blacksmith Shop, where he forges gates, fences, and balconies by hand. The city's architecture relies heavily on these iron structures, many of which have endured fires and hurricanes over several centuries.

Reeves learned the trade through family tradition. His grandfather was a blacksmith, and Reeves recalled watching metalworkers from the outside as a child. He said the sparks and the sound of hammering metal left a lasting impression. “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.”

The shop produces both functional and decorative items. Reeves creates iron hinges, hand-forged leaves, and custom tools. He also handles restoration projects for historic sites. One such project involved the fence in front of the Cabildo. He used architectural plans dating back to the 1790s to reconstruct the metalwork accurately. Reeves described the process as a way to connect with the original fabricators of those pieces.

A new generation is entering the craft through apprenticeships. Karina Roca has worked in the shop for five years. She moved to New Orleans from Boston after seeing a television program featuring Reeves more than a decade ago. Roca is currently pursuing a master’s degree in historic preservation at Tulane University. She said the work helps maintain the city's unique aesthetic, which blends Spanish, West African, and French influences.

Reeves views the work as a method of preserving local history. He focuses on the physical act of transforming raw metal into durable structures. The shop continues to serve the city by maintaining the iron elements that define New Orleans' visual identity.