Tributes paid to ‘profound, insightful and jovial’ Hampstead photographer

A well-loved photographer who was a familiar face around Hampstead has died.

Zoran Matic, a British Serbian photographer was born in Belgrade on May 1, 1948.

He moved to London in the 1950s, and in the 1970s settled in Hampstead where he made his home for the next four decades.

Over the years he was a familiar face locally, often behind the lens of a camera, or deeply engaged in café philosophising alongside other local characters. He was also a occasional contributor to the Pentameters Theatre in Hampstead.

Zoran was well known for his photographs taken of Hampstead, the Heath and its surrounds. There were several exhibitions of his work, and features in magazines and newspapers.

He proudly self published a book of Hampstead cats, drawing on his archive of hundreds of photos featuring the furry residents.

In the last few years he has made available his prints at the Hampstead Antiques Emporium where his outlet remains open until May 31, 2016.

A close relative said: ‘‘Zoran, a profound, insightful and jovial figure in all our lives will be forever loved and missed as will his friendship and participation in conscientious service to his friends, family and community.’’

His funeral is arranged for April 1 and a subsequent memorial shall be held in the coming months at which we look forward to celebrating his life.

Should anyone have had the wish to contact his family and thus far been unable to do so, they would be welcome to email his son, Richard at, rich1seed@aim.com