Tusting - a 130 year old family business making high quality leather and luggage

Many UK businesses are little known at home but are celebrated abroad, in countries like Japan, where quality, craftsmanship and durability are highly valued. Is this because a culture of cheap throwaway style has taken over in Britain?

I hadn't heard of Tusting until a few months ago, so it was with real curiosity that I arrived at a small factory on the outskirts of a typical little English village not far from Northampton. Tusting has been run by the same family producing leather goods for over 130 years, originally as a tannery, now making exquisite leather bags, luggage and accessories that satisfy even the extreme demands of the Japanese consumer for high quality and craftsmanship.

An example of Tusting's craftsmanship -  one of the nicest bags I've seen. It will look even better after years of use.

We were shown round by William Tusting, met family members and employees in the design, management and manufacturing processes and came away very impressed by the care and pride taken in their product. Businesses like Tusting deserve to be household names in this country, celebrated as living examples of UK skill and craftsmanship.

All of Tusting’s products are crafted by hand in their workshop by skilled local men and women, many of whom share in the heritage and history of the brand. Only the highest quality natural leathers are used. By making all of their products on site Tusting are able to offer bespoke services including personalisation, initialling and custom colours. 

Their products are stocked around the country, or can be bought on their online shop. They provide a refurbishing service for the many loyal fans who return their bags after years of use to be repaired. Sustainable style at its best. For more information, see Tusting's website here.

I loved the products so much I bought a handbag for Mrs GF and was lucky enough to be given a canvas Explorer bag with embossed initials (pictured below) for my own use.

My new bag with my initials (Grey Fox isn't my real name ;))

This beautiful bag is over 30 years old and is used daily by Mr Tusting, Senior, who refuses to allow it to be refurbished.