The Tusting x Grey Fox Blog Christmas Competition - and the winner is...!!

This competition is now closed and the winner selected. Many thanks to all those who entered. The winner was Stephen whose entry 'my wife's Christmas stocking(s)' showed fine seasonal humour. His Porter satchel should reach him before Christmas. Merry Christmas everyone.

One of my favourite bags is my Tusting Porter satchel in Aztec Crazyhorse leather. The waxed finish, like all the best leathers, improves with age and use. It's a good size for work and is carried over the shoulder or in one hand. Best of all, it's made in England by a company that's been in the same family ownership for over 130 years.

I'm pleased to be able to collaborate with Tusting to offer a Porter satchel to be won in this Christmas giveaway. Click on this link on the Tusting website, register and answer the question, 'What one essential item would you would pack in your Porter to take on a Christmas getaway?' The best reply, as chosen by us (and our decision is final), will win.

The competition closes at midnight on Saturday 19th December 2015. The winner will be notified in good time for his or her bag to be posted in time for Christmas.

This isn't me, I wanted you to see that the Porter looks good whether owned by a man or woman

Friday Favourite: Tusting Clipper leather bag made in England

I'd been looking for a useful bag for months. It had to be a comfortable shoulder bag, not too bulky, and take what I need for blogging; a camera, notebook, pens, newspaper, phone, bottle of water and biscuits for emergencies. And, of course, it had to look stylish. 

I chose the Tusting Clipper in Aztec crazyhorse, an attractive leather finish that prevents the bag looking too formal. It has a compact, yet roomy, shape and is now in use for everything from blogging to shopping.

A well-designed bag that is highly recommended. Made in a Buckinghamshire village by Tusting. For more about this family business, visit their website here and buy a bag for life (they'll maintain it for you as well).

And until Christmas visit the pop-up shop at 39 Jermyn Street London where Tusting is joined by a number of the best Made in England menswear suppliers, including Marwood, Alice Made This and Hamilton & Hare.

Tusting - SS14 made in England leather bags

Explorer Aztec holdall

Tusting is one of those old family-owned businesses that get on quietly producing the best that this country has to offer. My eye was caught by the clever combination of colours in these new leather bags, produced for their Spring/Summer ‘14 collection. The bright blue contrasts well with the distressed  brown of the Aztec leather.  Prices £139 to £499. Find out more on Tusting's website here. 

Click here for my visit to Tusting.

Excursion Aztec washbag

Hastings Aztec briefcase

Oakley Aztec briefcase

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.