I just came across this short little film. As a Surrey/Sussex lad, I was brought up with the humble 'Trug'. They were a part of my everyday life.
Traditionally made in Herstmonceux, near Hailsham, the Trug was no less useful than a fork or spade in the garden. They were in constant use.
My current French Trug is now made of green plastic (I have several), and although just as practical as its Sussex equivalent, it hardly gives the same satisfaction.
Yes - they are still available in 'trendy' shops and viewed I think more as a work of art than as the useful thing they were made for. I wonder if they are still made in the original place.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure they are, but probably indoors!
DeleteI use mine all year. At the moment for picking vegetables and in winter it holds paper for lighting the fire.
ReplyDeleteI have to make-do with my plastic ones.
DeleteThis is something I do not know. It's interesting that there are such simple things that are used in everyday life that they are in one place and in another country have not heard of it at all. It is strange due to the fact that everywhere people collect things.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure your country has something equally good for gathering fruit or vegs. Trugs are simply the baskets I was brought-up with.
DeleteMine too is green plastic and a very important part of my gardening kit. Most of the traditional ones that I can recall were used for collecting produce from the garden/allotment.
ReplyDeleteYes, they were gardener's baskets. Every garden had one; or more.
DeleteI have a hand-made Sussex trug, given to me as a Christmas present, and used too. It's a very pleasing thing!
ReplyDeleteGood. Look after it; they're very expensive to replace these days!
DeleteI know! I've had mine since Christmas c1995, and they weren't cheap then either.
DeleteIf you don't have the family one who does. I am sure it was built to last
ReplyDeleteI thought you'd taken it to NZ with you!
DeleteI haven't seen it since 1965 when I first came out here
DeleteMine was made in the South Island
I have 2 a plastic one I use in the garden and a beautiful wooden one, which this year for the 1st time I filled with winter greenery and had as my table decoration.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that's what many people use them for these days; more decorative than practical.
DeleteSo that's what they are: an egg basket.
ReplyDeleteThese days they're used for almost anything; including eggs!
DeleteThat was really nice to watch. Making something by hand is still a beautiful thing to see and own.
ReplyDeleteThere's not a lot that is specific to my native area. Trugs are probably the best known.
DeleteA thing of beauty and functional.
ReplyDeleteIt's the simplicity which is so nice.
DeleteWhat a lovely, gentle scene. Made me recall how much I enjoy Pathé News reels, thank you.
ReplyDeleteSomewhat 'set-up', but beautiful. I'm sure they normally worked indoors.
DeleteGrandmother used to have a real one, I used it when helping her garden.
ReplyDeleteThe plastic ones are ok, but not a patch on the proper wooden ones..they don't have the same balance
I quite like my plastic ones, but I know what I'd prefer.
DeleteBeautiful things. Brilliant craftsmanship. As the vicar said to the actress, "You can't beat a nice trug!"
ReplyDeleteShouldn't that be 'the priest said to the actress'?
DeleteOr even the bishop...
DeleteStill making them prices start around £50 and go up to around £150.
ReplyDeleteWOT??? That's crazy!
Delete
ReplyDeleteStill available.
We went down recently & bought our daughter one as a Christmas present.
We have one that is over 40 years old & although battered is still serviceable.
They last very well. Chestnut is a reliable wood.
DeleteVERY interesting, thank you!
ReplyDeleteI like to spread the word.
DeleteI don't think we had an equivalent beyond just a wicker basket.
ReplyDeleteThey are VERY Sussex, but these days much imitated in Taiwan.
DeleteYOU HAVE CHESTNUT TREES THERE????
ReplyDelete