Felt hat making brings rising steam and vivid color to a busy harbor workshop. The milliner draws teal wool felt over a tall wooden hat block, shaping a smooth crown while the loose brim still curves outward. His hands hold opposite sides of the material, and a fixed metal nozzle supplies a small plume of steam from the side of the bench.

Bare wooden blocks crowd the foreground and shelves above, alongside finished hats in coral, mustard and dark blue. Rolls of ribbon and worn hand tools add smaller details around the central task. The maker's checked shirt and ochre apron fit naturally into the working room. Cool light from the open harbor door meets a warm lamp, separating the soft felt fibers from the polished and weathered wood.