Terry Jones Statue to be Unveiled in Colwyn Bay This Weekend
Introduction
A bronze statue in memory of the late actor and writer Terry Jones, best known as a member of the British comedy group Monty Python, will be unveiled in his birthplace of Colwyn Bay, north Wales, on Saturday.
Main Body
The life-sized sculpture shows Jones as the nude organist, a character from the TV series Monty Python's Flying Circus. The design, created by Llandudno sculptor Nick Elphick after talking to Jones's family, shows the figure grinning, with wild hair and a flapping tie, striking the classic organist pose. The organ is combined with a writing desk that includes references to Jones's wider career, such as his books on medieval history. Elphick stated that the most difficult part was getting a smile that the family would accept. He added that he worked 15-hour days for nearly a year and a half on the project. The fundraising campaign reached its £120,000 target within six months, with donations from around the world. It was promoted by several celebrities, including Emma Thompson, Steve Coogan, and Suzy Eddie Izzard. Jones's family supported the initiative. Fellow Monty Python members Sir Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam will attend the unveiling, which will take place at a location overlooking Colwyn Bay beach. The two other surviving Pythons, John Cleese and Eric Idle, also expressed support for the campaign. Sir Michael Palin remarked that the group rarely agrees on matters, but they all agreed on the humor of this tribute. He stated that Jones would have found the statue 'very funny indeed' and that, although Jones would have been the last person to want a statue of himself, he would have made an exception for this design. Jones died in 2020 at the age of 77 from a rare form of dementia. He performed in, co-wrote, and directed two Monty Python films—The Life of Brian and The Meaning of Life—and co-directed The Holy Grail with Terry Gilliam. He also co-wrote the TV series Ripping Yarns with Sir Michael Palin, whom he first met at Oxford University. Although Jones moved to Surrey at age four, he kept ties with Colwyn Bay, serving as patron of Theatr Colwyn and supporting its renovation in 2011. Elphick expressed hope that the public would interact with the statue, suggesting it would produce iconic photographs.
Conclusion
The statue of Terry Jones is set to be unveiled on Saturday, with the support of his family, fellow Monty Python members, and a global fundraising campaign, marking a permanent commemoration of his comedic legacy in his birthplace.