Helch: The Mysterious Graffiti Phenomenon Sweeping London
Since 2018, the word "Helch" has become a mysterious presence across London’s streets, appearing in various locations with no clear meaning. While the term’s popularity has grown, there’s no consensus on what it stands for, and it might not mean anything at all. The first notable "Helch" graffiti was spotted on the Chalfont Viaduct bridge above the M25. It replaced a beloved piece of graffiti that played on the slogan "Give Peas a Chance" -replacing "Peace" with "Peas." In 2018, it was altered to read "Give Helch a Break," sparking frustration among fans of the original message and even leading to a petition to restore the previous phrase.
Since then, "Helch" has expanded across London. It first gained traction in Harrow and has now spread to Shoreditch, Paddington, South Kensington, and even as far as Bristol, where it appeared on an M4 bridge in the form of "Boris is Helch." The Highways Agency in England, concerned by graffiti appearing in high-risk spots like motorway overpasses, has issued warnings and pledged to pursue legal action against those responsible.
Multiple Artists, or One Elusive Graffiti Writer?
Some speculate that "Helch" isn’t the work of a single artist but rather a group using the same name—a theory reminiscent of long-standing rumors about historical figures like Shakespeare. Sources claiming to know Helch from childhood allege that he began tagging at around 10 or 11, later disappearing from the scene, only to reemerge years later.
Is it vandalism or art? That question lies at the core of the ongoing "Helch" debate. Some see it as an attention-grabbing stunt, while others argue it holds artistic value, particularly in its unique use of color and a distinctive font style.
The "Helch" Media Frenzy: Michael Purdy’s Role
The intrigue surrounding "Helch" intensified when a young artist named Michael Purdy, 27, created a large "Helch" tag on a bridge near Windsor Castle. The prominent location led to complaints reaching the Queen herself, bringing "Helch" into mainstream media. To this day, it’s unclear if Purdy is the sole artist behind Helch or simply one of many, as he’s the only one known to have been caught.
Over time, the "Helch" tag has evolved into an even more cryptic form: the letter "H," displayed in a stylized font, now marks many tags across Shoreditch and London.
This post is part of a dedicated series of posts on street art and graffiti in London
Shepard Fairey – Contemporary Activism
London's Leading Street Artists
James Cochran: Pointillism Art
Ben Wilson: Chewing Gum Art
Dan Kitchener – Urban Nights
HELCH Graffiti
Alex Arnell – Explosive Emotions
STIK – Minimalist Street Art
Otto Schade – Surrealism Art
ALO – Urban Expressionism
Space Invaders – Street Mosaics
David Speed – Neon Spray
Mr Doodle – Doodles of Joy
Nathan Bowen: Art Vigilante
London Street Art Guide
London Street Art Map
BEST Murals in London
Graffiti and street art – Leake Street Tunnel
Graffiti and Street Art Guide at Brick Lane
Graffiti and Street Art Guide in Camden Town
Among the Artists Featured in Posts About London:
Otto Schade, Zabou, Nerone, Banksy, Alice, ROA, Pasquini, Soker Uno, Gary Stanger, Irony, Dan Kitchener, Voydor, Fanakapan, DRT, Sr.X, Decolife, JXC, Marija Tiurina, Ansley Randall, Woskerski, Ben Wilson, Luke Smile, Nerone, MadC, Rosie Woods, Camille Walala, David Shillinglaw, Fin DAC, Clifton Street, Stik, Dale Grimshaw, Busk One, Bambi, C215, Phlegm, Pegasus, Invader, Jonesy, Frankie Strand, Alex Arnell, Sweet Toof, Amara Por Dios, Fanakapan, Eine, Jimmy C, Aspire, Red Romes, Nol, Mort Murray, VKM, Smackas, Benzi Brofman, Cap Sprays, Pad, Francois Got, Hunto, Alex Face, Ansley Randall, Fat Cap Sprays, Eska, Mister Tris, Snik, Mr Doodle, Shona Hardie, Abraham.O, Woskerski, Damitta, David Speed, David Puck, Olivier Roubieu, Fiya101, DFace, Layla, TRUST.iCON, Alo, Pixie, Frank Riot, Nathan Bowen