6. “Ocean Galaxy” by Mandy Barker

Ocean Galaxy is a private double room with en suite shower facilities, and a lovely side view of the church & beyond, situated on the first floor of the Art Hostel. Wifi is available for free, and linen and towels are provided with the bed pre-made with soft cosy bedding. A light breakfast is included for each morning of your stay.

Designed by international award-winning photographic artist Mandy Barker, the room is based around a galaxy of suspended footballs, giving the impression that the guests themselves are part of a unique solar system. The footballs are in fact marine plastic pollution, a total of 992 marine debris balls recovered from the world’s oceans in just 4 months. 769 footballs from 41 different countries and islands and from 144 different beaches, by 89 members of the public.

Surrounding walls of the room show collections from Europe, the United Kingdom, and a recovery of 228 balls by one person. Laying in bed looking at the ceiling reveals the global collaboration of over 769 footballs collected by the world’s public.

In addition a never-seen-before framed print of a marine debris Leeds United football shirt (replica 1978) found washed up on the East Coast of the UK in 2015, hangs on the wall, along with a specially created Guest Book that reveals the artist’s images and notes created during the process of the series.

The FIFA World Cup was the catalyst for the creation of this project to be able to raise awareness during an international sporting event. PENALTY is the name of the series with the double meaning; PENALTY is a punishment for breaking a rule in the game of football, and in relation to this project, a PENALTY is the price we will all pay if we do not look after our oceans by managing the over consumption of plastic and becoming responsible for its disposal.