I took the Acela train to New York City this morning, so I could attend the dinner cruise for the Door Security & Safety Foundation tonight (a great time!). Last night when I was packing for the trip, Kidzilla said, “I don’t want you to go to New York. There are bad men there.” When I asked where she had heard about these “bad men”, she said, “I saw them on the movie, Home Alone!” 
A few months ago, several people sent me a link to a blog post about a locksmith shop in NYC. Since I had a couple of free hours this afternoon I decided to go see it in person. Greenwich Lock & Safe is not your typical lock shop…it’s the smallest freestanding building in all of Manhattan, and it’s a work of art. The entire facade of the building is covered with keys. It’s amazing!! I spoke to the owner and artist, Philip Mortillaro, and he estimates that there are about 20,000 keys. I know I’m abnormally partial to hardware, but this shop is really beautiful. Philip told me that there is a documentary in progress about his locksmith business and his art - it’s called Do Not Duplicate, and you can watch the trailer on Philip’s website – www.philipmortillaro.com.
October 26th, 2011 7:14 am
I’ve noticed a lot of us locksmiths are a bit wacky and creative. I love that guy’s work and the documentary film sounds like it will be very interesting. I hope it will be available on DVD after it airs because I have no TV or cable/satelite.
October 26th, 2011 9:51 am
I’m a little jealous that you got to visit Greenwich Lock & Safe! Don’t know when I’ll get to NYC again, but I will also make time to see this shop! Thanks for posting info about documentary…I’m looking forward to seeing it. kbf
October 26th, 2011 10:12 am
Wow!!!
Great idea of what to do with old keys, huh?
Thought the door & chair were time consuming.
Then saw the building facade!!!
Holy Cow!!!
November 21st, 2011 6:34 pm
I just heard from Phil. He says the documentary will be out on DVD and he will let us know when on his facebook page. I’ll let you know when I see the details.