His prolific and massive works of art reached a wide audience – even though most people who saw them would have disapproved.
Graffiti artist Helch, whose murals with his name in large block letters appeared on motorway bridges and railway viaducts in southern England, has died aged 34.
The elusive artist – real name Michael Purdy – was perhaps best known for his infamous 18-metre-high mural on a railway viaduct near Windsor Castlewhich royal sources claimed were upset Queen Elizabeth IIwho thought it was spoiled the view.
But while many will agree with the late Queen, others in the art world were fans of the murals, which appeared on bridges over the M4, M1 and M25.
Yesterday, supporters and friends paid tribute to Mr Purdy, who recently had his work appearing in galleries, with a sold-out show in December attended by urban art enthusiasts and collectors from around the world.
Veterans Club music DJ Doc Scott was among the chorus of fans paying tribute to the guerrilla artist on Saturday, sharing an image of one of his canvas artworks with the caption “RIP Helch.”
Frontline, a renowned graffiti magazine and online platform, shared a photo compilation of Helch’s colorful works on Instagram with the caption: ‘I just heard the sad news that Helch has passed away. RIP Helch.’
Mr Purdy’s debut show late last year at BSMT Space in trendy Dalston, east London, was a huge draw as it was the first time his art could be legally purchased.
Michael Purdy, whose giant, block-letter artworks appeared on highway bridges and overpasses, has died at the age of 34
The late queen is said to be ‘extremely upset’ after giant white letters were stuck to a railway viaduct at Windsor Castle
Network Rail, which owns the viaduct, removed the graffiti as it was deemed offensive
In one of his latest social media posts, he shared an image of his 224-page photo book, titled Lost But Living. The glossy publication shows his international street typography and scroll graffiti from the period 2022-2024.
The circumstances surrounding his death have not been released, but friends are reeling from his sudden passing.
One graffiti artist told the Daily Mail: ‘Helch was at the top of his game, having spent years destroying it and financing the whole thing himself.
‘He lived life on his terms and in many ways had what you could describe as total freedom. He did not submit to a life of drudgery.
‘He is a legend and will be greatly missed in London and Britain. It is not for me to say more about his death.’
Meanwhile, Zonk DDS, a notorious graffiti writer from London, shared a tribute online, writing: ‘Iconic British artist gone far too soon. Thoughts are with his family.’
And SMT crew, a national graffiti collective, paid tribute to Helch as ‘a big figure’ within the scene.
A spokesperson shared a photo of the artist’s giant, vibrant piece on top of a car park in Shoreditch, writing online: ‘As a team we are deeply saddened to hear of Helch’s passing.
‘A major figure in the London and British scene. RIP Helch.’
Friends paid their respects to Mr Purdy, who enjoyed a sold-out gallery show in December
The Helch tag can be seen on many London train and tube stations, including Sloane Square
Graffiti artist Lord wrote: ‘Sad news man, Helch was a real good brother, had good jokes. I always gave him time to tell him how long they would stay. [his roller pieces] to take.
‘One of the best roller writers we’ve ever had.’
Bams, an active graffiti writer across London, posted a photo of Helch’s work at Paddington Station with the message: ‘So sad man’.
Another tribute read: ‘Sad news to hear that one of, if not London’s greatest roller writer has passed away. What a shame. You have to give credit where credit is due, your work will live on for the rest of our time.
‘A London King, prayers are with your friends and family. RIP Helch.’
Other fans of the artist flooded social media with tributes and photos of Helch’s roller pieces, one with the caption “sad news.” Good guy. Made some refreshingly cool moves in the scene.”
Another message read: ‘RIP Helch friend. I admired your dedication to graffiti and showed it to the man every time.”
One note from an artist Helch knew included the words, “Take care of yourself and your loved ones before it’s too late.”
Tributes were paid as far away as New York City, with a compilation of his photos shared online with the message: ‘He was known in London as a legend.
“He brought some refreshing graff[iti] to New York a few years ago and I enjoyed seeing all these places as they appeared.”
