This object was donated to the collection. Even in ancient times, both the Romans and the Greeks described eating together outdoors. In the Middle Ages, there were various reasons for eating outdoors, including working in the fields or hunting. Meals in the fresh air became popular in the Baroque period. The picnic was given a boost in the 19th century by Queen Victoria of England, who frequently dined outside. It was at this time that the classic picnic basket appeared in England.