My hat is inspired by the geological map published by William Smith, in 1815. He was the first person to ever map the geology of an entire nation. His sophisticated and very colourful maps are based on his careful observations that rock layers (strata) could be identified by the fossils within them. He noted that the strata always seem to appear in the same order and that it was possible to predict where specific types of rock could be found across the UK.

Smith’s maps and ideas laid down the principles of geological surveys worldwide and were the basis for our understanding of geological time. The concept of using fossils to identify rocks is still used today and the names he gave to some of the strata layers remain to this day.

I chose 7 of the colours in Smith’s 1815 map to form sloping strata on my hat, (concentrating on earth as one of the four elements of the competition’s theme). The top layer is fabric of the map itself. I chose 7 to represent the 7 continents and the 7 seas.

At the back of the hat are ammonites, representing life that has been on Earth for millions of years. Smith amassed a large fossil collection, many of them ammonites. The ammonites, represent the 7 major classifications levels of life on Earth.

Note: Entries have been not been edited or proofread to protect the integrity of the maker's original meaning.