At 77 years old, Robin Tuppen, the owner of the historic Cuckmere Trug Company and Thomas Smith’s Trug Shop, is spearheading a fundraising campaign entitled ‘Saving the Sussex Trug Industry’ to raise £50,000 and combat the rapid decline of this critically endangered craft. Based at the storied Red Lion Hall in Magham Down, Tuppen expressed deep concerns for the future of the trug industry, stating, "I’ve seen it, the past few years since Covid really, begin to decline quite rapidly.
Since the onset of the pandemic, trug sales experienced a brief uptick, with the business doubling its turnover during 2020 as people turned to their gardens for solace. But as Tuppen pointed out, external challenges have been mounting. “Since then we’ve had Brexit and we’ve had things like the cost-of-living crisis, which has made life a bit more difficult,” he lamented.
Having founded his trug business with his brother back in 1983 and taking over Thomas Smith’s Trug Shop six years later, Tuppen has spent decades witnessing the emotional joy these handmade wooden baskets bring to their owners. “They have invoked quite a bit of emotion in people. We sell all around the world,” Tuppen shared, noting around 40 percent of their business is international, receiving heartfelt letters and emails showcasing people proudly using their trugs.
The funds from the Crowdfunder campaign are intended to not only secure the future of Tuppen’s businesses at Red Lion Hall, which is owned by Harvey’s Brewery, but also to refurbish the adjacent buildings and establish them as a vibrant heritage center. This would serve as a community hub where visitors can learn about trug making, creating long-lasting connections to the craft.
“Probably more important than anything, and to begin the ball rolling, is to start training new entrants to the industry,” Tuppen emphasized. The heritage crafts association recognizes Sussex trug making as critically endangered, with fewer than ten artisans currently working. Tuppen hopes the heritage center will offer courses on trug making, spoon carving, and tool sharpening, nurturing future craftsmen. “The main thing is to have a center where trug making can start to become sustainable once again,” he remarked.
At the end of March 2025, Thomas Smith’s Trug Shop is set to come under the wing of the Sussex Trug Heritage Centre, which Tuppen established as a not-for-profit organization. To help achieve the goals, Tuppen is seeking volunteers, already having garnered interest from three individuals, including someone assisting with online marketing efforts.
“The trug was first made in the 1820s, and its designs have changed over the years,” Tuppen explained, depicting the timeless essence of trugs. “It’s become a bit more sturdy than it used to be, but basically the same design has been used for all these years and it’s just a timeless piece.” The trugs are crafted from natural materials: traditional designs incorporate sweet chestnut and cricket bat willow, whereas another variant is made from birch plywood sourced from sustainable supplies.
The effort to save the Sussex trug industry is urgent. Individuals interested in supporting this heritage campaign, through volunteering or donations, can reach out to Tuppen via email at [email protected] or by telephone at 01323 847540. Letters can also be sent to Robin Tuppen, CEO of Sussex Trug Heritage Centre, at Thomas Smith’s Trug Shop, New Road, Magham Down, Herstmonceux, East Sussex, BN27 1PN, England.
With such dedicated efforts aimed at preserving the unique craftsmanship integral to Sussex, community involvement may very well determine the future of this cherished trade.