227 'OUR PICNIC, NEW-LOCK, BERKSHIRE'
by Charles James Lewis (1830-92)

There is absolutely nothing finer than specialising in the art of picnicking. It starts at a very young age and never ever gets boring, ever. The excitement starts from the time the decision is made about where to hold this outdoor feast. Fervour mounts even more when choosing the menu, and it doesn't stop until its all over. Yes, 'til after its all eaten up and the plates are packed away. As though the cat had found the cream, the magic of the picnic creates warm, almost purring feelings, lasting easily bed-time.

Dressing up for the occasion was just as important an ingredient as the food and lemonade. The four sisters seen here are sporting brightly coloured sashes which add the finishing touch to their summer apparel. Straw hats too are the order of the day to help keep the bright sunlight out of their eyes.

Just what is in the heavily (or is it heavenly) laden hamper that takes two teenage maidens to carry so carefully? Alas! We shall never know exactly what it contains, but we can make some guesses. In the full *painting, you can see one great luxury placed in the middle of the table. And no, we don't think you'd ever think of that one!

In the background you can just see the river and someone standing watching from a rowing boat or punt. Could it be the girl's mother? She looks this way and will no doubt be anxious that the precious basket doesn't get dropped.

The little girl with her back to us appears fixated. Is she staring longingly at the iced fruit pie in front of her? How extra-hungry it makes her. "It's not fair! I just Can't wait. We've come miles for this wonderful moment so I think I'm going to have to count to one hundred or just do something to take my mind off waiting any longer!"

Charles James Lewis was an extremely popular artist who, it is written could cover a canvas very quickly and painted many pictures in his lifetime. His subjects ranged from landscapes to fishing and even family scenes. He exhibited at the RA for many years from the age of only 22.