About Bob Yorburg
Woodcarver / Restorer / Instructor
Bob’s fascination with turn-of-the-19th-century amusement arts began as a child. The fancy carvings and magical displays captured his imagination. Those whimsical and enchanting influences are entirely represented in his work today.
With an early interest in magic, Bob designed and built most of his own props. He learned his woodworking and design skills from his father and grandfather, both of whom built furniture.
Bob earned his B.A. at Wesleyan University, and studied design at Harvard Graduate School of Design, Parsons School of Design and the Institute of Architecture and Urban Studies with Peter Eisenman.
Early in his career Bob headed Dakota Jackson’s custom built furniture shop which included design, construction, finishing and complex restorations.
Bob founded one of New York’s top event companies producing elaborate sets and props for live shows, film and television. Re-creating a turn-of-the-19th-century Coney Island environment complete with a hand-carved fantasy park earned him public recognition throughout the United States. This environment was featured numerous times on ABC and Disney Television.
“Acanthus Carving & Design,” is the definitive source for ornamental design and carving of scrolls and leaves. The book, written by Bob Yorburg and illustrated by Hans Sandom features a step by step approach to creating ornamental carvings and designs. The book has received rave reviews and 5 stars on Amazon.com.
Currently Bob is lecturing and demonstrating throughout the U.S., writing for various publications, teaching carving to adults and children while completing projects and restorations.