Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- December 1875 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
1 item, paper, bifoliated.
Context area
Name of creator
Administrative history
In 1843 James Rattee (1820-1855) set up a wood and stone carving works next to his house, Poplar Cottage in Station Road, Cambridge. In 1848 he entered into partnership with George Kett (1809-1872). The first major project that they worked on was the wood carvings for the Palace of Westminster. James Rattee's health deteriorated due to over work but he was able to complete his great work at Ely Cathedral before his death in 1855. Following his death his wife, Caroline, continued in the business partnership with George Rattee. Amongst other work the firm was involved with during the 19th century were ornate tables, ceilings and urns at Wimpole Hall (completed in the 1850s and 1860s), a new hall and library at Pembroke College, Cambridge (completed in the 1878), new lecture rooms at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge (completed in 1884), the construction of Our Lady and the English Martyrs Church in Cambridge (completed in 1890), the new chapel in Walnut Tree Court at Queens' College, Cambridge (completed in 1891) and the restoration of Arundel Castle (completed in 1900).
In 1926 the partnership was dissolved and the business sold to Rattee & Kett Ltd. The vast majority of the shares were held by John Mowlem and Co. Ltd. However, George Robert Kett continued as manager. Following the acquisition of Mowlem by Carillion in February 2006, Rattee & Kett Ltd was the subject of a management buy out from Carillion in March 2007 but went into administration in September 2011.
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Scope and content
Receipt for repairs and maintenance work carried out around college by Rattee and Kett (carvers, builders, etc.) between November 1874 and November 1875, at a total cost of £35 10s 6d. Works include: fixing and repairing casements (Smith's room), fixing stained glass (west window, south transcept of chapel) and repairing brickwork around the window, cutting out old bars (Smith's room), painting and fitting new bars, fixing pullies and cords to ventilators (3 double cords, 1 single cord, 2 iron hooks), grading window sills (choir window) for condensed air), cutting and setting stone on stove, 92 new chairs for chapel (including arranging the chairs, sawing and preparing splints and fixing chairs to same, and forming pulpit deck), making and fitting new key for chapel door.
Materials include glass, iron bars, Portland cement, mortar, nails, glue, stain, screws. Also includes costs of scaffolding, transportation of materials, and labour (including masons and joiners).
Memorandum: 2 oak seats and 2 Glastonbury chairs on loan.
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Note
Pinned to JCAD-2-2-9-1875-140, referenced in the letter.