A bronze statue celebrating Monty Python star Terry Jones has been vandalised less than a month after it was unveiled. The piece, celebrating him as the Monty Python’s Nude Organist, overlooks Colwyn Bay as a permanent tribute to the late comedian, writer and historian.
The statue’s “wonderfully generous bottom” was undamaged but two door knockers were pulled off. These referenced animated characters from the 1986 fantasy film Labyrinth for which Terry Jones wrote the screenplay.
Visiting the site yesterday (Tuesday, May 19) was Llandudno-based sculptor Nick Elphick, who created the eye-catching statue. After inspecting his work, he said in a Facebook clip it had suffered “slight vandalism”.
He said the damaged parts had been recovered by bypassers and safeguarded in the hope the damage can be repaired.
Mr Elphick said it was “very, very sad”. “Bit upset, can’t believe it really, I’m actually gutted,” he said. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
“But just to let everyone know, there are CCTV cameras completely on it. So whoever’s done it, will be seen.”
The life-size statue was unveiled at the star’s hometown on Saturday, April 25. Hundreds of Monty Python fans were joined by Sir Michael Palin and Eddie Izzard for its unveiling. It’s since attracted large numbers of visitors.
The statue of Terry Jones was unveiled on Colwyn Bay beach yesterday(Image: John Williams )
The statue shows Terry as the organist, nude apart from a flapping tie and “exploded” hair, grinning as he strikes his classic pose. It sits on the Promenade, not on a plinth, to give beachgoers easy access to photos.
This risks making it more vulnerable to vandalism. Bay of Colwyn town councillor Tina Lee is hopeful the culprits can be found.
Online, she said: “This is disappointing to say the least. Thank goodness CCTV cameras are there.”
Mr Elphick finds one of the statue’s Labyrinth door knockers is missing its rapper(Image: Nick Elphick)
Jones died in 2020 aged 77 from a rare form of dementia. A total of £120,000 was raised in six months to immortalise the comic genius in bronze.
A GoFundMe campaign, called “Python on the Prom”, was launched in 2024 by Sir Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam.
Mr Elphick checks for signs of damage(Image: Nick Elphick)
Speaking to the BBC, Sir Michael said the statue was a tribute to the lengths his friend was prepared to go to for comedy.
He added: “I hope his wonderfully generous bottom will become an emblem of the town he loved so much.”