Aidan designs shoe for Pattenmakers' celebration

This year marks the 300th anniversary of The Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers’ incorporation into the ‘Livery’, when this group of craftsmen was accepted into London’s body of trade associations and guilds during the reign of George I, ‘Pattens’ were protective undershoes that were worn in Europe from the Middle Ages – in fact, the earliest record of the company as a trade association dates back to 1379. Such footwear was designed to be worn outdoors and to lift wearers’ shoes and women’s dresses above the mud and effluent of early streets. Pattens became obsolete by the end of the 19th century, and the company's main function is now as a charitable body. Today, among other services, it funds the design and bespoke fabrication of orthopaedic shoes – particularly for the UK's injured servicemen.

For part of his university course, SATRA’s Aidan Bailey was required to complete a project to celebrate the Pattenmakers’ anniversary. His shoe design was selected by the judging panel to be produced and exhibited at an exhibition in London’s Guildhall. Paolo Gabrielli, former creative director of Aquascutum, Burberry, Clarks and PUMA, curated the display, which was entitled ‘The shoes that shaped our world’. This included exhibits of bespoke shoemaking, designing and 3D printing.

The photograph above shows SATRA’s Aidan Bailey with his shoe design that was displayed during the Pattenmakers’ tercentenary exhibition.

Publishing Data

This article was originally published on page 4 of the September 2017 issue of SATRA Bulletin.

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