“We were saddened to hear of the passing of German vintage photography dealer Dr Jens Mattow. James Kerr, a colleague of his writes, “Recently family and friends gathered in Berlin to mourn the passing of well-known vintage photography dealer Jens Mattow, who has died suddenly at the age of 59. At his funeral, his children Frederick and Marie spoke movingly about their father and his passions in life, including the world of photography, where he had been an active figure at auctions and fairs for two decades.
A native of Berlin, Jens came to photography as a second career, having worked as a scientist at the Max Planck Institute. He described himself in self-deprecating terms as a little ‘house mouse’ in the world of photography. He was much more than that, but it does say something about how he went about his business. Many will remember him as a constant presence at photo fairs in London, Paris, and of course Bièvres, where merguez, chips and a beer were not to be missed, amidst the hunt for the next gem. Ask him how it was going, and you might get a detailed account, or on quieter days, no words, but the merest shrug, that said all you needed to know.
In business I found him fair and reasonable – as happy to cooperate as compete, and with a good understanding of how to turn a prospect into a deal that worked for everyone. My lasting memories of Jens will centre around his enthusiasm for the trade, his love of Chinese food, and the possibility of just one more small whisky.
In recent times he had found a renewed enthusiasm for life, and had not long returned from a month-long trip to the Far East with his partner Ratana. The last time we met, in late February, he sat in the Paris sunshine, relaxed and in good form, and talked about his plans for the future, and what we might buy in the coming weeks. He had much still to do, and much still to give. I’m sure all of those who knew him would want to join in wishing sincere condolences to his family, Ratana, and all those closest to him.”
Daniella Dangoor writes,
“Very sad. He was a great and generous companion on my first visit to Berlin, taking me to visit all sites of Jewish significance. Endearingly he insisted on a tuktuk trip around the streets, past the synagogue. He was a good and caring man, and I know that he loved his two children very deeply and that his biggest wish was to remain part of their lives, in spite of the separation from their mother.”
When we posted the news of his passing on The Classic’s Instagram, the comments came pouring in. Here a few,
Bassenge Photographs He will be dearly missed! Our previews and auctions won’t be the same without him.
Richard Fattorini Very sad news. He will be greatly missed.
Jane Orde Japanese Prints Arnaud and myself were sorry to hear this sorrowful news. He always had interesting photographs for sale in his stand in London and Paris. May he rest in peace
Hugh A Rayner Very sad news, he was a lovely guy!
Jennifer Augustyniak Jens, we will miss you very much. Your knowledge, enthusiasm for photography and your no-nonsense attitude enlightened the photo world!
