William Smith produced the first map of the geology of England and Wales 200 years ago this year, and two of these original maps are housed at Bristol University. To celebrate the bicentennial, we are restoring and reframing one of these maps, behind UV resistant and anti-reflective glass, and mounting in on display in the School of Earth Sciences. Restoration of the map is part of a celebration of the life’s work on one of Britain’s greatest unsung scientists, the “Father of English Geology”.

In 1815 William Smith published the first edition of his Geological Map of England and Wales. Little did he know about the pivotal contribution he was to make to the scientific and economic development of Britain. The map not only depicts the rock layers across the whole of the country but his map also shows the location of raw materials such as iron ore, coal and clays and quite literally fuelled the industrial revolution. His map changed our understanding of the ground beneath our feet.

Many years of neglect and exposure to daylight have taken their toll on our copy of Smith’s map, one of just over 100 worldwide known to exist today. Resources have already been secured to restore the map itself. The money raised through this initiative will be spent on the protective and anti-reflective glass cover for the restored map. We hope to recognise the sponsors on a commemorative plaque. Please donate by October 1st.

The restored and reframed map will be unveiled at the first of four public lectures to be held to celebrate the bicentenary of William Smith's map in October 2015. The lectures will be held in the Great Hall of the iconic Wills Memorial Building, home to the School of Earth Sciences. More information of our Smith bicentenary celebrations can be found at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/earthsciences/public-engagement/williamsmith/