broken angel

4 Downing Street
Clinton Hill, Brooklyn

This is the Broken Angel. Home to Arthur and Cynthia Wood, and Jack, the dog. Arthur Wood bought this buiding in 1979 and has since envisioned creating a beautiful and eccentric piece of art, as well as a home. Some of you may remember seeing this in Dave Chapelles movie, Block Party.

I find this building to be truly inspirational and beautiful. With everyday objects and what most of us consider trash, these folks have created gorgeous stained glass windows and some really interesting architecture. It's really wild shit! Check out these great photos of the Broken Angel, along with a plea from Chris Woods, the son of the owners.

So, the point of this blog. When you check out those photos, you will also see the plea made by Chris Woods. This family, this structure, needs our help.

The Department of Buildings is threatening to tear down this building. Yes, thats right, after twenty something years, the DOB is taking a sudden interest in the Broken Angel. They even went as far as to arrest and handcuff 75 yr old Arthur when he refused to vacate the premises. I'm not sure "premises" is the right word, perhaps, home, life, heart, art, happiness. Those seem better fitting.

You will see in the photos that the building is by no means in tip top shape, but the Woods just don't have the dough to invest in the constructural work needed to have it pass code. If they could, they would have a long time ago. The dream for Broken Angel has always been to have it develop into a school/museum for the arts.

So, I too, and pleaing for help for the Woods and their Broken Angel. You can donate directly to the family by sending donation s to Arthur Wood directly at 4 Downing Street or you can purchase some of the families artwork and photos of the Broken Angel here.

With all of the high rise hype happening in Brooklyn, I think that we should all help to save something beautiful. Before we know it, old Brooklyn will be gone.