May 20, 2026 - 272 views
A statue celebrating the life and legacy of Terry Jones has been vandalised just weeks after being unveiled in his hometown of Colwyn Bay.
The bronze sculpture, created by Llandudno sculptor Nick Elphick, was installed in the town earlier this spring following a major £120,000 fundraising campaign backed by Jones’ family and supporters.
The statue depicts Jones as the nude organist – one of his memorable recurring characters from Monty Python’s Flying Circus – and was intended as a lasting tribute to one of North Wales’ most famous creative figures.
However, the art piece has now suffered what Elphick described as “slight vandalism”, with two decorative bronze door knockers removed from the sculpture.
The missing pieces were included as a tribute to the cult fantasy film Labyrinth, which Jones co-wrote alongside fellow Monty Python member Terry Gilliam.
Speaking in a video posted online after visiting the site yesterday, Elphick said he was left “in shock” by the damage.
He added: “But just to let everyone know, there are CCTV cameras completely on it. So whoever’s done it, will be seen.”
Fortunately, the damaged pieces were recovered by passers-by and safely stored, raising hopes the statue can be fully repaired.
Jones’ daughter, Sally, is understood to have been “very upset” after learning about the vandalism.
The tribute was unveiled to honour the remarkable career of Jones, who was born in Colwyn Bay before going on to become one of Britain’s most celebrated comedy writers, actors and directors.
Best known for his work with Monty Python, Jones helped redefine British comedy through iconic productions including Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Life of Brian and The Meaning of Life.
Beyond comedy, he was also an acclaimed historian, children’s author and documentary presenter.
Jones died in 2020 at the age of 77 after living with a rare form of dementia known as primary progressive aphasia.
The Colwyn Bay statue was seen as a fitting homecoming tribute for a man whose influence on British comedy and popular culture stretched far beyond North Wales.
