The design for a bronze statue honoring the late Terry Jones has been completed, with the tribute set to be unveiled on April 25 in his hometown of Colwyn Bay, North Wales. The statue will depict Jones as the memorable nude organist character from Monty Python's Flying Circus, a role that became iconic in British comedy history.
The ambitious project became reality after comedy fans from around the world donated $120,000 to fund the tribute. Fellow Monty Python member Michael Palin praised the concept, saying, "Terry always insisted on doing his own stunts, and I think that sitting stark naked (apart from a tie) on Colwyn Bay promenade, in all weathers, is the ultimate tribute to the lengths he was always prepared to go to for comedy. I hope his wonderfully generous bottom will become an emblem of the town he loved so much."
Sculptor Nick Elphick, who created the design, recently unveiled the finished concept to Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin, who led the fundraising campaign. Elphick explained his approach to the project: "Working with his family, they were saying he didn't have that sort of ego where he'd want a statue of him being done. But actually a statue of one of his characters and him bringing his humor back, his art back, that's what's going to honor him. The fact that he's going to bring joy forever. It's just such an honor for me to be able to do." The sculptor revealed that he crafted seven different heads before destroying them all, determined to find one that perfectly captured Jones's essence.
Terry's daughter Sally supported the character choice, explaining, "Once we decided the best way to remember him was in character, it was so obvious that it had to be the nude organist. Dad's approach to comedy and life in general was non-conformist and convention defying; and the nude organist is perfect, as it was such a shock in those early days of television." She emphasized how the character represented everything revolutionary about Monty Python's approach to comedy.
The statue design incorporates multiple elements of Jones's diverse career beyond his Python fame. Elphick cleverly morphed the organ into Terry's writing desk, acknowledging his work as a writer and director. Characters from his popular children's stories, including Erik the Viking and Nicobobinus, are depicted frolicking across the bronze surface. Even the organ itself features distinctly Pythonesque legs, adding to the whimsical nature of the tribute.
Elphick described his dedication to the project: "I have put my heart and soul into this, every waking minute. I feel all of the different elements in this statue will explain and express everything about Terry, in so many different ways. I have been given so much creative stimuli and inspiration, giving me complete free rein, artistically speaking." Over the coming months, he will oversee the casting process to immortalize Jones in bronze.
Several prominent figures in British comedy have endorsed the tribute. Steve Coogan, who collaborated with Terry on his film adaptation of Wind in the Willows, described the naked organist as "both cheeky and a strangely profound expression of Terry's life affirming anti-establishment anarchy." Sanjeev Bhaskar, who worked with Jones on his final film Absolutely Anything, joked, "Since Terry never won Rear Of The Year, I think his posterior preserved for posterity in Colwyn Bay seems right. I'm absolutely behind it."
The nude organist character holds special significance in comedy history, representing Monty Python's revolutionary approach to television humor. When Python burst onto the scene in the late 1960s, they challenged conventional comedy structures, defying traditional gag-and-punchline formats. Whether it was Graham Chapman dressed as a Field Marshal declaring sketches "too silly" to continue or Terry Jones naked while blowing up a Hammond organ in a remote field, the group redefined what television comedy could be.
Dilwyn Price, chair of Conwy Arts Trust, expressed pride in the project: "It has been a real privilege to be involved in such an exciting and fulfilling arts project – one that will be a lasting testament to celebrate the huge impact of a proud Welsh actor, comedian, entertainer and educator." The statue will serve as a permanent reminder of Jones's contributions to comedy and his deep connection to his Welsh roots, ensuring that his legacy continues to bring laughter to future generations.
