Item 4 - Wood and Stone Carving Bill

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.