For the past decade, Portman Lights has quietly built a reputation as one of the most recognisable names in creative lighting design, the sort of kit that instantly adds warmth, texture and a bit of theatre to any space. Once the secret weapon of music video directors and touring LDs, Portman’s unique style is now finding a new home across TV, advertising, film, corporate events and live productions alike.
At Artisan Productions, we have been using Portman fixtures across our events for some time, and we are proud to now stock the full range for dry hire and in-house production. That includes the P1 Evo, P2 Evo, P3 Evo, Mantis and Omniray – each with its own character, but all sharing that unmistakable Portman look.
It is hard to mistake a Portman fixture for anything else. Their designs are instantly recognisable: tungsten-inspired glow, geometric symmetry and a balance between retro and futuristic that feels timeless. In a world dominated by LED walls and clinical lighting, Portman brings warmth and depth. They bridge the gap between traditional stage craft and modern technology, giving designers the ability to create atmosphere without overpowering a scene. That is exactly why they are now just as likely to appear behind a conference stage as they are in a music video or tour rig. And for live events? The Mantis continues to stand out. Its almost ‘alien like’ profile and individually controllable lenses give designers freedom to create eye-catching patterns and symmetry that looks just as good on stage as it does on film.
THE NEW(ISH) KIDS ON THE BLOCK
This creative mindset fits perfectly with how Artisan Productions approaches production. We are one of the new(ish) kids on the UK AV block; a company born out of the live music world, now working across corporate, experiential and live entertainment. What started as a small team supplying AV for bands and private events has grown into a full-scale production company, trusted by venues, brands and agencies nationwide.
We are now the exclusive AV partner for Merlin Entertainments’ London Venues, including Madame Tussauds, The Riverside Rooms at County Hall, and SEA LIFE London Aquarium – and the appointed provider for the Warwick Schools Foundation. Across each, our goal is the same: to merge creativity, clarity and reliability without the jargon. Lighting is a big part of that ethos. Whether it is Portman fixtures creating subtle atmosphere at a conference or bold visual energy at a launch event, the principle is always the same – every fixture should earn its place in the design.
A MODERN CLASSIC
There are plenty of LED fixtures that can do clever things. But few have character. Portman sits in a rare category, lights that do more than illuminate. They add presence. In a time where audiences crave authenticity and connection, that warm tungsten-style glow feels almost human. For us, Portman is more than a piece of kit. It is a design tool that helps tell stories, create emotion and elevate spaces. And that, ultimately, is what good production should do.
www.artisanproductions.org | getintouch@artisanproductions.org | 08000 30 50 5
