The Accidental Artist's Bottega

Where guests craft personalised works of art from pre-made cast pieces in a space for happy little accidents, emerging talent or personal transformation.

This option is hopefully due for launch some time in 2026 - watch this space!

What is a bottega?

A bottega is an Italian word meaning "shop," "store," or "workshop."

A workshop or studio, particularly that part used by a master artist's assistants or pupils. We believe everyone, accidental, beginner or otherwise, is a master at their own art.

Our bottega is in Smyrna, in Aberfan. It includes a shop, where you purchase your piece or pieces and it includes the workshop space to paint and decorate your piece.

If you do not wish to paint and decorate your piece at Smyrna, you are very welcome to just purchase your piece, or pieces, to take home. We do not provide the paints etc for this but brushes and pallets are available in the shop.

How will it work? (In its simplest form):

Pieces are created by Taff Rocks staff, in-house and have cured for some weeks before you attend. Taff Rocks staff also support you where possible.

You arrive and select a hand cast blank piece or pieces available.

You collect and prepare your own paints and equipment from those provided by Taff Rocks.

You paint and decorate piece piece or pieces.

Your piece of pieces are left at Smyrna (optional)

Taff Rocks will lacquer your piece or pieces, which are collected the following week, sometimes less.

Costs

Items available are individually priced. *

There is a flat studio contribution fee of £4.00 per painter on top of the item cost. **
This fee is for a two hour period.

If you are unable to finish your piece, you can leave it at Taff Rocks and return as soon as you are able to in order to finish the piece. There is no studio fee for reattending to finish a piece. However, if they paint another item on additional visits, it is subject to the studio fee and cost of the item.

* Covers the cost of materials in order for Taff Rocks to replenish the stock.
** Covers all equipment and materials in order for Taff Rocks to replenish the stock.

We will not accept pieces that have not been created at Smyrna or pieces that have been taken away from the building, finished or otherwise, for lacquering or varnishing. Items must be left with us. if you don't want it / them lacquered or varnished, you are welcome to take them as is.

The Smyrna building. A small stone chapel with a classic gabled roof and arched windows. The entrance features a wooden door. The building evokes a serene, historical ambiance.

Registered office:

Smyrna Chapel Community Hall,
Aberfan Road, Aberfan,
Merthyr Tydfil CF48 4QN

Charity Registration

Taff Rocks is registered in England and Wales as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). Registered Charity Number: 1192749