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A new statue honoring Terry Jones, the celebrated actor and writer known for his role in Monty Python, has been revealed in his hometown of Colwyn Bay, Conwy. This sculpture depicts Jones as the “nude organist,” a memorable character from Monty Python’s Flying Circus. Jones, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 77 due to a rare form of dementia, has been immortalized through this unique tribute, supported by a fundraising effort endorsed by his family.
Among those present at the statue’s unveiling were Jones’ Monty Python colleagues Sir Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam. Palin remarked that Jones “would find the tribute very funny indeed” and described him as a “brilliant man in so many ways.” Gilliam shared his enthusiasm for the sculpture, noting that he and Palin worked closely with the designer to “capture the real Terry,” and praised the finished piece as “fantastic.” Gilliam humorously added, “We can all fondle his bum, even in death. Children are going to do it and it will be the shiny bit,” emphasizing how they expanded this playful aspect of the statue.
The statue stands overlooking the beach in north Wales and showcases Jones nude but adorned with a tie fluttering in the wind, sporting wild hair and a wide grin, striking the classic pose of the organist character. The organ on which he sits transitions seamlessly into a writing desk, referencing his career beyond Monty Python, including his work as a medieval historian. The sculptor, Nick Elphick from Llandudno, shared that the greatest challenge was representing Jones’ larger-than-life personality while ensuring the smile was just right for his family. Elphick, who devoted extensive hours over nearly a year and a half to the project, stated, “I’m a perfectionist so I’m never happy, but I know that I’ve put my heart and soul into it.”
Throughout his career, Jones contributed significantly to Monty Python’s legacy, co-writing and directing films like *The Life of Brian* and *The Meaning of Life,* as well as co-directing *The Holy Grail* with Gilliam. His collaborations extended to co-writing *Ripping Yarns* with Palin, whom he met at Oxford University. Palin fondly recalled, “Terry was the faster typist, so he would do most of the typing. And come to think of it, he also made the coffee depending where we were working.” Although Jones moved to Surrey at the age of four, he maintained strong ties to Colwyn Bay, even becoming a patron of Theatr Colwyn and supporting its renovation in 2011. The statue invites the public to interact with it, promising to inspire playful moments, especially thanks to its notably prominent feature, as Elphick encouraged visitors to engage with the statue and create memorable photographs
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