J. D. Ratter

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Birthplace of J. D. Ratter

John David Ratter , better known by his signature of J D Rattar, usually written in pencil, is still perhaps the most recognised of all Shetland photographers. He was born on a croft at Fethaland, Northmavine, on 26th January 1876 and died in Lerwick on 8th September 1957, aged 81.
Known as 'Jack', his father was drowned off Fethaland when he was just three months old, leaving his mother with Jack and a three year old brother.
He served an apprenticeship as a joiner and soon acquired an interest in the photography which became his life's work.
He is perhaps best known for his landscapes with towering clouds and shafts of light, but he recorded all aspects of Shetland life, people, places and wildlife.
In his lifetime most Shetland homes had a framed 'Rattar' picture on the wall and these are still in demand when they appear at auction sales, with more than a few collectors of his work.
He had premises in Charlotte Street, Lerwick, where he produced, framed and sold his prints. He built his own photographic enlarger from wood and natural light ducted from a skylight was its light source; calculating exposure times for his prints came from experience !
He married Jessie Ann Petrie of Unst in 1917 but they had no children.