Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 23rd November 1874 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
1 item, paper
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.
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Bill for £44 19s 6d for work done to repair and restore the stained glass windows in chapel between November 1873 and September 1874 carried out by Rattee & Kett, Carvers, Builders etc., including: work done to large window in south transept, mason and labourer paid for 52 hrs work each for assisting the glazier, for making, fixing, and temping ventilator, and the cost of time and materials; taking out and fixing casement for stained glass on east side window in south transept, mason and labourer paid for 22 hrs work each; wrought iron casement; same work done for window on the west side of south transept; taking out glass in the window of the south wall of the nave and pointing the stained glass, including cost of materials and labour (10 hours each); taking out glass and fixing casement in south windows of the choir, including costs of materials and labour (10 hours each); wrought iron rim casement and frame; examining and making good the pointing to all the windows in the choir, including materials and labour (28.5 hrs each); taking out stained glass in south transept and packing casement, including cost of materials and labour (14 hrs); erection and use of scaffolding, including materials; 2 masons and 1 labourer to assist the glazier with all aforementioned stained glass windows; finish cutting old ironwork files; carriage to take empty glass case to London; restoration of stonework of windows west of south transept; one new mullion; Messrs Farell & Ellis' account for glazing window west of south transept with sheet glass.