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A naive and charming painting. Oil on cardboard, c. 1900s, mounted on wood panel. It depicts a view looking out to sea with a lighthouse and buildings in the foreground, and a fishing boat and a dreadnought warship in the distance. Some surface age-related marks and stains, but a lovely example of maritime folk art nonetheless. Unsigned and undated although most likely dates from between the late 19th and early 20th century. Annotated 'Portland Lighthouse'.
 
This painting actually depicts one of the two old lighthouses that used to operate on the narrow promontory that jutted in the English Channel, known as Portland Bill, off the Dorset Coast. One lighthouse had been built atop Branscombe Hill and was known as 'Higher Lighthouse', and another built south of this one, known as 'Lower Lighthouse'.
 
This painting is of the 'Lower Lighthouse', which was built in 1867, and designed by James Nicholas Douglas. Both it, and 'Higher Lighthouse' were decommissioned in 1906 when they were replaced by a single newer lighthouse, now known simply as the 'Portland Bill' lighthouse.
 
After its decommissioning in 1906, 'Lower Lighthouse' was auctioned off and then became a summer residence. For a whilte it was known as the Longstone Ope Tea Rooms and Gardens, and by the mid-1930s it had been established as the Lower Lighthouse Guest House and Restaurant. After World War II, it was left empty and became derelict. In 1961 it was purchased and restored, and became the home of Portland Bird Observatory and Field Centre. The old 'Lower Lighthouse' (including its former quarters and boundary walls) is now a Grade II listed building.