An ordinary post box on Plymouth Hoe has been transformed into an eye-catching celebration of marine life, thanks to a team of creative staff and students from the Marine Biological Association, who have handcrafted an intricately beautiful knitted and crocheted topper inspired by the sea.
The postbox topper is teeming with knitted and crocheted marine life. c. Trupti Gaikwad
Installed on a Royal Mail post box on Hoe Road near the MBA’s laboratory at Citadel Hill, the display has quickly attracted attention from walkers, residents and visitors enjoying the waterfront. The miniature underwater scene features fish, crabs, jellyfish, turtles and other sea creatures, all carefully stitched by hand to create a playful snapshot of life beneath the waves.
Made in many vivid shades, the topper reflects both the beauty of the marine environment and the imagination of the people behind it. From dangling jellyfish to bright shoals of fish, the installation is designed to raise a smile while also reminding the public of the extraordinary biodiversity found right here in Plymouth Sound, around the UK and beyond and the urgent need to protect it for the future.
The project was a true team effort, bringing together skilled knitters and crocheters from across the organisation. Staff and students contributed their time, ideas and craftsmanship to produce a piece that is both a work of community art and a tribute to the MBA’s long-standing connection with Plymouth. Based at Citadel Hill, the Marine Biological Association conducts, promotes and supports research into all aspects of life in the sea, helping to improve understanding of the ocean and the environmental changes affecting it.
The talented makers hope the cheerful display will brighten people’s day and spark curiosity about the work taking place inside the nearby laboratory. The topper is intended not only as a celebration of ocean life, but also as an invitation for the community to engage with marine science and the importance of protecting the seas for future generations.
Postdoctoral Research Assistant Andrea Highfield said: “We hope the topper will be enjoyed by passers-by and will inspire them to find out more about the MBA and the work we do.”
As locals and visitors stop to admire the topper, we are encouraging anyone inspired by the display to support our wider mission. As a charity, public donations help us to fund our ground-breaking marine research, discover science-based solutions to protect and restore our marine environment, and inspire the next generation of marine biologists. If you would like to be part of protecting our ocean’s future, please click here to support our work.
L-R: MBA staff and students Amy Groundwater, Susie Wharam, Kimberley Bird, Andrea Highfield and Trupti Gaikwad.
