“Porthole” (or else “Bull’s Eye”) is the nautical term for the small circular windows used on the hull of ships. The first portholes were designed c.1485 by French shipbuilder, James Baker, in order to mount the new cannons ordered by the King of England, Henry VIII, on his battleships. The new cannons were too large for the ships to accommodate them, therefore openings with covers known as “portes” (French, doors) were cut on the ships’ sides. The term “porte” was Anglicized into “port” to be eventually corrupted into “porthole” connoting any opening on a ship’s side. Due to their distinctive round form and symbolism, portholes have greatly inspired artists, designers and architects. Porthole windows were extremely trendy during the Art Deco period referencing the Machine Age aesthetic. While retaining an element of privacy, porthole windows allow natural light thus fitting on all types of doors, hallways and sitting rooms. The porthole motif also fits perfectly for light fittings and mirrors. Our Porthole lighting fixtures provide ambient and accent lighting both indoors and outdoors.