Theguardian iconTheguardianSep 1, 2026 ~1 min source read

HRH Helch: the graffiti artist who left an indelible mark on high-rise Britain

By that measure, graffiti supremo Helch made a pretty serious mark on the world. He died this week, leaving behind a country pockmarked by his tag, a giant towering HELCH, though sometimes reduced to just a simple upper-case H.

HRH Helch: the graffiti artist who left an indelible mark on high-rise Britain

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By that measure, graffiti supremo Helch made a pretty serious mark on the world.

He died this week, leaving behind a country pockmarked by his tag, a giant towering HELCH, though sometimes reduced to just a simple upper-case H.

It was on railway bridges and motorway overpasses, on derelict buildings and decrepit high rises.

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By that measure, graffiti supremo Helch made a pretty serious mark on the world. He died this week, leaving behind a country pockmarked by his tag, a giant towering HELCH, though sometimes reduced to just a simple upper-case H. It was on railway bridges and motorway overpasses, on derelict buildings and decrepit high rises.

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  • He was even on a railway viaduct on the way to Windsor Castle, in 60ft high white letters, "ruining" the view of poor old Elizabeth's home and apparently leaving our late monarch in an absolute rage.

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From Bristol to London, Helch was everywhere.

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