OFF SITE EXHIBITION – COLWYN BAY LIBRARY
A look behind the scenes at the making of Colwyn Bay’s new Terry Jones Statue
- Photography by Paul Cooper
Terry Jones needs no introduction…but just in case – he was the Welsh one in Monty Python, that comedy collective who were famous for having their film, Life of Brian, banned in Aberystwyth. Born in Colwyn Bay, Terry was a proud Welshman, forever proclaiming his Welshness in an accent straight out of Surrey.
Colwyn Bay was a place very close to Terry’s heart. His parents and grandparents performed here, and Terry became Theatr Colwyn’s very first Patron.
The idea for a statue came from Terry’s friends at Theatr Colwyn where he’d often come to Colwyn Bay for screenings or fundraising events. After his death due to dementia in January 2020, Theatr Colwyn contacted Sally and Bill, Terry’s children, and asked if they thought a statue of Terry might be a good idea. They both thought it would be wonderful and a fundraising campaign, run by the Conwy Arts Trust (CAT), in partnership with Terry’s family was launched in August 2024, hitting its target in February 2025.
(c) Paul Cooper
Local artist Nick Elphick was commissioned to bring Terry’s likeness to life. Nick is a passionate visionary who’s spent the better part of his career studying the human form. He’s gained countless headlines, and global recognition, for his beautifully crafted bronzes. Much like Terry, Nick boldly takes on the traditionalist and sticks two fingers up! We think, to best reflect a life spent in silliness, it would be fitting for Terry to be represented in character.
(c) Paul Cooper
Michael Palin, Terry’s lifelong friend, remarked: “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.”
The Lost Foundry - (c) Paul Cooper
The statue presents Terry as the organist, nude apart from a flapping tie and ‘exploded’ hair, grinning as he strikes the classic pose. In sculpting the organ, Nick Elphick takes artistic license and morphs the instrument with Terry’s writing desk, bringing to life aspects of his multi-faceted career to reflect the man as a whole, beyond Python.
The Lost Foundry - (c) Paul Cooper
Terry would’ve been the first to think a statue of himself was a silly notion, but secretly he would’ve been immensely proud that his hometown truly accepts him as a Welshman.
The Lost Foundry - (c) Paul Cooper
A life-size statue (unveiled on Saturday 25th April 2026) sits on the Promenade, not on a plinth, but on the ground, amongst the beach goers, who can shake his hand or put an arm round him for a chat and a photo.
Terry was always an approachable, affable man, so we think he would be happiest next to his beloved beach, back once again in his home town.
Sally Jones & Terry - (c) Paul Cooper