Terry Jones to be Immortalized as ‘Nude Organist‘ in Bronze Statue
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A statue celebrating the iconic comedic genius of Terry Jones,best known as the “Nude Organist” from Monty Python’s Flying Circus,will be unveiled in his Welsh hometown of Colwyn Bay next April. The tribute comes two years after the actor and writer’s death in 2020, following a battle with a rare form of dementia, and is the result of a fundraising effort that garnered £120,000 in just six months from fans worldwide.
A Lasting Legacy
The character of the Nude Organist first appeared in a 1972 episode of Monty Python’s Flying Circus and became a recurring, and often shocking, element of the troupe’s groundbreaking comedy. The statue will depict Jones as the character, nude save for a flapping tie and with “exploded” hair, captured in the midst of playing the organ with a characteristic grin.
“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,” said Palin,a lifelong friend of Jones. He added with characteristic humor,”I hope his wonderfully generous bottom will become an emblem of the town he loved so much.”
Reflecting a Non-Conformist Spirit
Jones’s daughter, Sally, emphasized that the choice of the Nude Organist was a natural one, reflecting her father’s rebellious spirit. “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 explained.
She further elaborated on the innovative nature of Monty Python, noting that the group “played with the structure of comedy, defying the convention of gag and punchline.” She recalled a typical Python sketch, with Graham Chapman playing the role of a field marshal dismissing scenes as “too silly,” while her father, entirely nude, would be “blowing up a Hammond organ in a remote field – symbolises what made Python so special, captivating and new.”
Beyond the python: A Multi-Faceted Artist
Elphick’s design goes beyond a simple representation of the Nude Organist, incorporating elements that speak to Jones’s broader artistic career. The sculptor is artistically merging the organ with Jones’s writing desk, acknowledging his talents as a writer, director, and historian.
Elphick stated he has “put my heart and soul into this,every waking minute,” believing that the statue’s various elements will “explain and express everything about Terry,in so many different ways.” He collaborated closely with Palin and Gilliam, and also Sally Jones, poring over her father’s personal archive of handwritten notes, drawings, and writings to inform the design.
A Homecoming for a Proud Welshman
Born in Colwyn Bay, Jones maintained a strong connection to his roots throughout his life, becoming a patron of Theatr Colwyn and a dedicated supporter of the arts in North Wales. Dilwyn Price, chair of Conwy Arts trust, described the project as “a real privilege” and “a lasting testament to celebrate the huge impact of a proud Welsh actor, comedian, entertainer and educator.”
The sentiment was echoed by fellow comedian Sanjeev Bhaskar, who worked with Jones on his final film, Absolutely Anything. “As Terry never won ‘Rear of the Year,’ I think his posterior preserved for posterity in Colwyn Bay seems right. I’m absolutely behind it,” Bhaskar quipped.
The unveiling next april promises to be a fitting and memorable tribute to a comedic icon whose influence continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
