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Regional press tributes paid to photographer who died aged 54

Kippa MatthewsTributes have been paid from the regional press to a “talented and respected” agency photographer who has died aged 54.

York-based Kippa Matthews, left, was well-known both locally and nationally, having worked in the city for around 35 years.

Freelancer Kippa previously worked for John Pick’s Press Agency, in York, which he joined in 1988 after originally training as a sculptor.

Martin Oates, former chief photographer and picture editor at York daily The Press, was among those to pay tribute after his sudden death was announced on Friday.

Said Martin: “He was a very talented and respected photographer – respected locally and nationally – and a really nice and amiable lad, very pleasant.”

Kippa had served as a photographer for individuals including the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, and for organisations including York Minster, the National Railway Museum and the Jorvik Viking Centre.

Jon Hill, a long-standing friend of Kippa and fellow journalist, said: “He was such a talented photographer but perhaps more importantly than that, he was a great bloke.

“Those who worked with him would always relish the twinkle in his eye.”

Kippa’s partner, Haley Capon, said she would miss him “terribly”, adding: “He was my soulmate.”