Dates & times
All times are local to the venue · America/New York
- 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Forged Wall Hooks with Robert Burns: shape steel in a Pittsburgh studio
A twist, a taper and a bend give a simple wall hook both its shape and its decorative character. At Forged Wall Hooks with Robert Burns, participants learn those operations while working with hot steel in Contemporary Craft’s open-air blacksmithing studio.
One project, several ways to shape steel
Burns’s three-hour workshop introduces the fundamentals through a single object: a functional, decorative wall hook. Participants learn to heat a bar of steel, taper it, twist it and bend it into the finished form. The project offers a way to practice different changes to the same piece of metal rather than making separate exercises.
No blacksmithing background is necessary, but the work is physical. The class involves fire, hot metal and swinging a hammer over several hours, and Contemporary Craft says participants will need some stamina.
Further reading: Forged Wall Hooks with Robert Burns - Contemporary Craft ↗
Burns at the forge
Burns has worked as a blacksmith since 2008 and founded Wilderness Ironworks in 2010. His work draws on older forging practices while incorporating present-day design and know-how—a fitting background for a class that uses forging to make an everyday object.
Further reading: Forged Wall Hooks with Robert Burns - Contemporary Craft ↗
Workshop schedule
The hook project takes place in a single three-hour session.
Tuesday, November 17, 2026 · Timmons Studios, Blacksmithing Studio
- Three-hour workshop with Robert Burns: learn to heat, taper, twist and bend steel into a wall hook.
Preparing for the workshop
Dress for hot work
Wear natural fibers such as cotton or denim, with uncuffed pants and closed-toe shoes. Shorts and sandals are not permitted, and long hair must be restrained. Safety glasses and hearing protection are provided, though you may bring your own.
The studio is open-air. Contemporary Craft recommends a coat for warmth before the forges are fired up and a water bottle.
Tuition and cancellation
Tuition is $80 plus a $15 materials fee; all materials are provided. Use the registration link to check current availability.
Student refund requests must be made at least three business days before class. A $25 cancellation fee applies, and the materials fee is nonrefundable. If Contemporary Craft cancels for insufficient enrollment, it offers a full class-fee refund through Eventbrite or credit toward a future workshop.
Ask ahead
Contemporary Craft asks visitors to request accommodations at least two weeks in advance. Contact [email protected] or 412-261-7003 to discuss the workshop.
Getting to Timmons Studios
Entrance and accessibility
The workshop is at Timmons Studios, 5688 Butler St., not the Raphael Building at 5645 Butler St. The main Timmons entrance is on Butler Street. Its wheelchair-accessible entrance is around the corner on 57th Street; ring the doorbell at that entrance.
Contemporary Craft lists accessible restrooms on the first and second floors of Timmons Studios.
Forged Wall Hooks with Robert Burns - Contemporary Craft ↗ · Visit or Contact Us - Contemporary Craft ↗ · Accessibility - Contemporary Craft ↗
Parking and transit
Contemporary Craft lists street parking on 57th Street and Butler Street, including parking on 57th Street for the accessible Timmons entrance. It lists public transportation routes 87, 91 and 93. Use the map links to plan directions from your starting point.
Visit or Contact Us - Contemporary Craft ↗ · Accessibility - Contemporary Craft ↗
Before you make a plan
Do I need blacksmithing experience?
No. Beginners are welcome, although the workshop involves hot metal, fire and several hours of hammering, so some stamina is needed.
Do I need to bring materials or protective equipment?
Materials, safety glasses and hearing protection are provided. You may bring your own eye and hearing protection if you prefer.
What happens if I need to cancel?
Request a refund at least three business days before class. A $25 cancellation fee applies, and the materials fee is nonrefundable.
Is the studio wheelchair accessible?
Contemporary Craft says Timmons Studios is wheelchair accessible. Its accessible entrance is on 57th Street; ring the doorbell there to enter. Contact the organizer about specific workshop accommodations at least two weeks ahead.
Location & Google Maps
Contemporary Craft – Timmons Studios, Blacksmithing Studio
5688 Butler St., Pittsburgh, PA 15201
Map search by venue and address. Check the organiser’s entrance details before travelling.