I was asked what a middle class English family would have worn to a picnic in 1871. What fun!  I love picnics, and 1871 is such a fun period for them – such ridiculously over the top day dresses for ladies. This week I’m going to be exploring the question through period prints, paintings, and real clothes. First, let’s start with some prints and paintings, so that we can get an idea of what a full scene would look like: These three prints show relaxed picnic scenes in 1871.  The first two are set in England, and the last one, based on the musicians, is probably set in America, and appears to show a less respectable scene. The thing about prints is that they are often like today’s fashion spreads: glamourised, romanticised, and with ensembles based on the very latest fashions. The thing about real life is that it isn’t like fashion spreads.  Most people wear clothes they have owned for a few years or more.  Not everyone is pretty, or charming.  So a picnic …