Ancient Livery Company gains a new Master

Jane Wilson has become the first female footwear Master in the Pattenmakers Company’s history.

Jane Wilson was recently installed as Master of the Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers at the Merchant Taylors’ Hall in London. The Pattenmakers – first recorded in 1379 as a trade association for the manufacturers of ‘pattens’ (protective overshoes widely used from the Middle Ages until the early 20^th century) and awarded its Royal Charter in 1670 – is one of the City of London’s historic Livery Companies, with enduring links to the footwear industry. Although the Company’s original trade has long since faded, its modern role remains closely connected to supporting the footwear sector.

Jane began her career as a graduate trainee at Clarks and later became a director of Start-rite Shoes, where she progressed to chief executive. On moving back to Clarks, Jane held the position of group chief product officer for ten years. In 2014, she founded MOOT Management Consulting to advise international clients, and is currently chair of the British Footwear Association.

A member of the Pattenmakers for over 20 years, Jane became a liveryman in 2001 and then held the roles of trade warden and court assistant before becoming the first female footwear Master in the organisation’s history. She has been a strong advocate of supporting young talent in the footwear industry, having led the Pattenmakers’ Future Leaders Award for almost 20 years.

The Company continues to foster strong links across the footwear industry, including with SATRA members of staff, who have received awards and beenactive participants in livery activities.

SATRA chief operating officer Michael Bodsworth is currently the trade warden and in 2023 Hannah Coe – now head of footwear testing and innovation – was awarded the ‘Young Managers Footwear Award’ by the Worshipful Company.

In Addition, SATRA footwear technologist Niamh Bailey is a Young Pattenmaker who supports livery events with marketing. Niamh is a former recipient of support from the Company for her masters’ degree in bespoke footwear biomechanics at De Montfort University.

Publishing Data

This article was originally published on page 2 of the June 2026 issue of SATRA Bulletin.

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