Terry Jones – MirrerView

Terry Jones was born in Colwyn Bay, North Wales. And, though he moved to England as a young child, he remembered his hometown – and his Welsh identity – throughout his life.

Known best for his work in “Monty Python’s Flying Circus,” Terry had a long career as writer, actor, director and educator. He died in January 2020, aged 77.

On April 26, 2026, a crowd-funded sculpture of Terry was installed on Colwyn Bay beach. Created by North Wales-based sculptor Nick Elphick, it is a marvel – as was Terry.

Terry is located at the end of a paved area along the Promenade on Colwyn Bay.

It’s a wondrous creation. The biggest eye-catcher, of course is the spot-on rendition of Terry as the nude organist, a character he performed many times in “Monty Python’s Flying Circus.”

Nick Elphick working on his sculpture of Terry Jones. Screencapture of Instagram post.

Then there are all the items sculptor Elphick included, to properly reflect Terry’s many sides. There’s the foot inspired by the opening theme of “Flying Circus”. And a typewriter and a desk lamp and a notebook and some ink stamps with Chinese writing and Erik the Viking‘s ship falling off the edge of the world and a book about Chaucer (one of many literary and scholarly projects Terry was involved in) and door knockers from the movie “Labyrinth” and more and more. I’m still looking for a full guide to the statue.

Fellow Pythons Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam joined the debut of the statue on Colwyn Bay, which featured lots of people in Python-inspired costumes and a Spam Cafe. Gilliam told the BBC that, thanks to the statue, “We can all fondle his bum, even in death.”

As fun as it is to pore over the statue, taking in all the detail, it’s even more fun to watch others interact with it. I doubt these kids know of Terry’s work (though he did write some childrens stories) but they enjoyed climbing on him.

A fairly steady stream of visitors walked over to Terry when I was there in mid-May. And that was on a weekday afternoon. I imagine the crowds will get bigger over the summer.

The only disappointment: I couldn’t find any souvenirs! I was hoping for a variety of silly, tacky items – anything less (more?) wouldn’t fit the spirit of this tribute to Terry. But it’s only been a month or so, and I’m hopeful something will be available eventually. This poster was at the bed & breakfast I stayed in: They were offering a Spam-filled breakfast as an option. I politely declined, especially since one of the other options was kippers!