Title: William Smith Medal

Creator: Geological Society of London

Description: Obverse and reverse of the William Smith Medal, which is awarded for excellence in contributions to applied and economic aspects of the science of geology. It was first given in 1977.

The obverse is a portrait of Smith, after the 1837 painting by Hugues Fourau. The reverse shows a canal under construction in the vicinity of Dundry Hill, Somerset. The image is intended to illustrate William Smith’s real work as a navigator, but also makes reference to the area in which he made his early observations which would form the basis of his stratigraphical ideas.

Date: n/a

Format: Silver

Image reference: 01-32

Recommended print size: Up to 16 x 12 inches (40 x 30cm)