Big News from the Prom: The Terry Jones Statue Design Is Officially Cooked
Hold onto your hankies, comedy fans, because one of the quirkiest, cheekiest recognitions in UK public art history has just ticked off a major milestone: the design of a statue honouring Monty Python legend Terry Jones is complete. That’s right – after months (okay, years) of crowdfunding, sketching, deliberation and probably a fair bit of tea, the final conceptual design is locked and loaded for production.
Why This Statue Matters
Terry Jones was more than just the chap who delivered the voice‑over in “I’m a lumberjack and I’m okay” (though that was epic). As a founding member of Monty Python, writer, director, historian and self‑declared “Welshman at heart”, he left a mark on comedy that can’t be washed away with soap and water. He passed away in 2020 after a brave battle with dementia.
His seaside hometown of Colwyn Bay, North Wales, decided it was high time the town got something back — hence the campaign to erect a life‑size bronze statue of him on the promenade. The campaign, dubbed “A Python On The Prom”, pulled in donations globally and hit its target of around £120,000.
The Design: Expect the Unexpected
According to the latest reporting, the design by sculptor Nick Elphick is set to depict Terry as one of his most absurd characters: the nude organist from Monty Python’s Flying Circus. Yes. Nude. Organist. On a promenade. In public. Essentially, Terry in full comedic glory.
Here are some of the standout features reported:
He’s sitting at an organ, tying together his love of music, absurdity, and Python‑style chaos.
The organ doubles as a writing desk of sorts, acknowledging his work as a writer and director.
Local children’s‑story characters (from his other forays) frolic across the base: think Erik the Viking meets Bronze Terry.
The statue will be at ground level (not on a lofty plinth), so you – yes you – can walk up, shake his hand (or elbow), and pose for that selfie. The campaign emphasises “no pedestal, just Terry among the people”.
What’s Next?
Now the design is “complete”, we move into the production and casting phase. The unveiling is currently slated for spring 2026.
In the meantime:
The fundraising continues, with excess funds earmarked for the National Brain Appeal (a charity close to Terry’s heart) as well as local arts in Colwyn Bay.
Locals and Python fans alike are buzzing about what this will mean for the town: more visitors, more laughter, and yes, more photos of people next to a nude bronze funnyman.
It's also a cheeky statement of Terry’s anti‑establishment, rule‑breaking comedy spirit. As one supporter quipped: “Since Terry never won Rear of the Year, I reckon this statue preserves his posterior for posterity.”
The Vibe
Picture this: a crisp sea breeze off the Irish Sea, gulls squawking overhead, families strolling the promenade of Colwyn Bay, children skipping, and… there he is: Terry Jones, bronze, cheeky grin, organ keys magically floating in mid‑air, in his birthday suit (well, hypothetical birthday suit) and tie. It’s equal parts salute and wink. A tribute that laughs as much as it honours.
For a man who once said “and now for something completely different”, this seems exactly right.
Final Word
So yes, the headline is real: the design is done. The planning is set. The crowd‑funders have funded. And soon, the seaside town of Colwyn Bay will have a statue of Terry Jones that refuses to take itself too seriously — because he never did. Stay tuned, bring your camera, and don’t forget to wave (or shake a hand) at the world’s probably only nude‑organist statue. It’s going to be legendary.