Do you know how many times I have walked by this locksmith on 7th Avenue and it was always closed? The intricate collage of keys always caught my eye.
Wednesday morning, Mary and I were returning from the Post Office and the locksmith’s door was open.
Mr. Mortillaro was speaking with a customer. Mary walked on ahead but I signaled to her to wait. After the customer left, I entered and although I’d photographed the facade on other occasions, I asked the proprietor if I might photograph him. Mr. Mortillaro was totally welcoming and agreeable and here is the portrait I captured. He told me he has been a locksmith since age 14!
The links to his website and a trailer of a video are found at the end of the post.
Although he says he is not religious, he has actually made St. Peter (a gift) the Key to Heaven
Just like the New York Public Library- Patience and Fortitude guard the entrance.
You can see a trailer to Mr. Mortillaro’s video Do Not Duplicate
and visit his website to see his Metal Art
Amazing artist! thank you.
Some great art work! I especially liked the one for the complaint’s department 🙂
The guy got a sense of humor – I like that.
amused by the mouse trap: press button for service 🙂
Very cool! I’ll have to drop by next time we’re in NYC.
Nice post, Ruth.
Great and interesting post, Ruth. It’s amazing how bold we bloggers can be. Kudos to you for getting the whole 9 yards. 😀 I’m sure St Pater is going to love that ornate key.
What a gold mine for photography!! This is an inspiration for me to make my own collage:D He’s a very cool guy.. I loved his video!
Keys made, how amazing!! Thank you, Ruth.
A wonderful fine. Loved the video and website. A unique storefront.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
just delightful ruth, he looks a character!
A great post, Ruth. You discovered a gold mine of photographic opportunities. I wonder if the reason he never seems to be open is because he’s helping people get into their locked homes, apartments, offices, and cars.
Wow, what an amazing facade of keys! Very creative design.
Great photos! Amazing art!
Really good stuff Ruth!
Wow, that collage of keys is something to behold! The owner seems like one cool dude.