The Story

The last Smith family member to own the company was Eddie Smith who, together with his wife Winnie ran it until they retired. Although, sadly, Eddie and Winnie are no longer with us but Winnie was a frequent visitor to our workshops for many years. Since then the company has undergone several changes of owner and was purchased by Robin & Peter Tuppen, Anna Piper and Frank Odell in 1989.

Robin now runs the business, supplying Trugs all over the World. He exports somewhere in the region of 30% of the Trug production every year. In the autumn of 1997 Robin Tuppen demonstrated Trug making at the Courson Gardening Show in France where he was awarded the ‘Ruban d’Argent’ (Silver Ribbon) for his Trugs and then in the spring of 1998 and 1999 he was awarded the ‘Ruban d’Or’ (Gold Ribbon).  Other awards have been received in the United Kingdom and mainland Europe.  

Sussex Trug Making is listed by the Heritage Crafts Association as being an endangered craft.  Please help us keep this special traditional craft alive by purchasing one of our Trugs.  Your support will be very much appreciated.  Thank you.

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