His prolific and giant artwork reached a wide audience – even if most of those who saw it will have disapproved.

Graffiti artist Helch, whose murals of his name in huge block letters appeared on motorway bridges and railway viaducts across southern England, has died aged 34.

The elusive artist – real name Michael Purdy – was perhaps best known for his infamous 60ft-high mural on a railway viaduct near Windsor Castle, which royal sources claimed upset Queen Elizabeth II, who felt it was spoiling the view.

But while many will have agreed with the late Queen, others in the art world were fans of the murals, which appeared on bridges across the M4, M1 and M25.

Yesterday supporters and friends paid tribute to Mr Purdy, who had recently moved on to having his work appear in galleries, with a sold-out show in December attended by urban art enthusiasts and collectors from around the world.

Veteran club music DJ Doc Scott was among the chorus of fans to pay 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 colourful works on Instagram with the caption: ‘Just heard sad news of Helch passing away. RIP Helch.’

Mr Purdy’s debut show at BSMT Space in trendy Dalston, east London, at the end of last year was a huge draw, as it was the first time his art could be bought legally.

Michael Purdy, whose giant, block-letter artworks appeared on motorway bridges and viaducts, has died aged 34 

The late Queen was said to be ‘extremely upset’ after 60ft high white letters were daubed on to a railway viaduct near Windsor Castle

Network Rail, which owns the viaduct in Windsor, removed the graffiti as it was deemed offensive

In one of his final social media posts, he shared an image of his 224-page photo book, titled Lost But Living. The glossy publication features his international street typography and roller graffiti during the period of 2022-24.

The circumstances around his death have not been disclosed, but friends have been left reeling by his sudden passing.

One graffiti artist told the Daily Mail: ‘Helch was at the top of his game, having smashed it for years and funded the entire thing himself.

‘He lived life on his terms and had, in many ways, what could be described as total freedom. He did not submit to a life of drudgery.

‘He is a legend and will be greatly missed in London and the UK. It is not for me to say any more about his death.’

Meanwhile, Zonk DDS, a notorious graffiti writer in London, shared a tribute online, which read: ‘Iconic British artist gone far too soon. Thoughts are with his family.’

And SMT crew, a nationwide graffiti collective, paid tribute to Helch as ‘a big figure’ within the scene.

Sharing a photo of the artist’s massive vibrant piece on top of a Shoreditch car park, a spokesman wrote online: ‘As a crew we are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Helch.

‘A big figure in the London and UK scene. RIP Helch.’

Friends paid their respects to Mr Purdy, who enjoyed a sold-out gallery show in December 

The Helch tag has been emblazoned on numerous London railway and Tube stations, including Sloane Square

Graffiti artist Lord wrote: ‘Sad news man, Helch was a genuine good brother, had good banter I used to give him stick how long they [his roller pieces] take.

‘One of the best roller writers we 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 one of, if not London’s biggest writer when it comes to rollers has passed away. What a shame. Got to give credit where credit is due, your work will live on for the rest of all our times.

‘A London king man, 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 refreshing cool moves in the scene.’

Another message read: ‘RIP Helch buddy. Admired your dedication to graffiti and showing it to the man, every time.’

One note from an artist who knew Helch contained the words, ‘Take care of yourselves and loved ones before it’s too late’.

Tributes were even paid as far as New York City, with a compilation of his photos shared online with the message: ‘He was known in London for being a legend.

‘He brought some refreshing graff[iti] to NYC a few years ago and I enjoyed going across all these spots as they appeared.’