Sophie Matthews-Paul, the veteran print technology and communications consultant, has died at her home in Herefordshire, UK. Diagnosed with an aggressive cancer in January of this year and given a six-month prognosis, Sophie enjoyed a peaceful departure, in the presence of her son, James, and her three cats. She was 68 years old.

The curriculum vitae of Sophie Matthews-Paul reads like a register of the printing industry’s largest and most specialised organisations. Originally a journalist and editor of a number of trade publications, Sophie launched Screen and Digital Printer in the 1990s before contributing to a number of other titles, from PrintWeek to Output, Image (Australia) to Large Format (Germany).

Over the last three decades she acquired a wealth of knowledge about the digitisation of the industry, becoming an instrumental influencer in the evolution of digital ink-jet’s role within the fields of wide-format, textile and industrial print. A renowned international speaker, Sophie was also a mentor to many, both officially and unofficially, and is often credited as the midwife of the modern industry. Alongside this eminent career, Sophie's diverse passions included photography, aviation and chicken-keeping.

“Sophie’s extraordinary charm and intellect left an indelible mark on the lives, careers and hearts of everyone she knew,” says James Matthews-Paul. “A potent and effusive life force has gone from the world, but I know she would want each of her friends and colleagues to remember her inimitable spirit with a smile.”

The family wishes to thank St Michael's Hospice, Marie Curie and Macmillan for the care provided to Sophie over the last six months, as well as to Jessica Morris and Jake Fox, who lived with Sophie and James towards the end.

Arrangements for Sophie’s memorial service are currently being made. For further information about these, or to send a message to the family, please contact [email protected].