Terry Jones to be Honored with Statue in Colwyn Bay
In Colwyn Bay, a fundraising campaign has been initiated to erect a statue in memory of the late Terry Jones from Monty Python. The goal of the campaign is to raise £120,000 for a bronze statue of Jones in his hometown. The proposed statue will depict Jones as a nude organist, paying tribute to one of his famous Monty Python sketches.
Various renowned personalities such as Sir Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam are leading the charge for the fundraising effort. Additionally, celebrities like Cerys Matthews, Steve Coogan, Jo Brand, and Emma Thompson have shown their support for the campaign. The campaign is being managed in collaboration with Terry’s children, Sally Jones and Bill Jones, with the assistance of Conwy Arts Trust, a charity that supports arts in North Wales. The Mayor of Colwyn Bay and Conwy County Borough Council have also expressed their backing for the initiative.
Terry Jones, who was born in Colwyn Bay, remained connected to the town throughout his life. He was a Patron of Theatr Colwyn, where his family had a history of performances. Jones’ Welsh heritage deeply influenced his work and passion for the arts. Sir Michael Palin highlighted Jones’ dedication to his Welsh roots, emphasizing the impact it had on his career and work ethic.
During the fundraising event, Terry Gilliam emphasized the importance of humor in spreading joy and positivity worldwide, echoing the sentiments of keeping humor alive. Support for the project poured in from various Monty Python members. Eric Idle expressed his delight at Jones being honored with a statue, and John Cleese humorously remarked on his wish for Jones to be immortalized in a different way.
Local artist Nick Elphick is set to sculpt the statue, with enthusiastic support from the local community and officials. The proposed statue has been met with positive responses from Sarah Ecob, Head of Service for Economy and Culture at Conwy County Borough Council, and Cllr Aaron Wynne, Conwy County Borough Council’s Culture Champion. The tribute to Jones through a whimsical statue is seen as a fitting homage to his legacy in Colwyn Bay.
With overwhelming support from friends, colleagues, and the community, the campaign to immortalize Terry Jones with a statue in Colwyn Bay is gaining momentum. The fundraising efforts aim to honor Jones’ comedic genius and lasting impact on the world of comedy. The statue’s unveiling is set to commemorate Jones’ significant contributions to entertainment and his beloved hometown.