Closing Bell: Cynthia Wood RIP
We’re a few days late on this, but this morning was the first chance we’ve had to go by the Broken Angel to see the small collage in tribute to Cynthia Wood, who died last month of cancer at the age of 72. Along with her husband, Arthur, Cynthia envisioned and built the now famous…
We’re a few days late on this, but this morning was the first chance we’ve had to go by the Broken Angel to see the small collage in tribute to Cynthia Wood, who died last month of cancer at the age of 72. Along with her husband, Arthur, Cynthia envisioned and built the now famous (and tragic) Broken Angel building, perhaps the most iconic piece of outsider architecture in the city. Gothamist, which broke the news over the weekend, has a long post with several photos and the full text of the note posted on the side of the building. You can see all the Brownstoner coverage of the Broken Angel over the past few years here.
Actually, you guys are over 2 weeks late on this. I sent both you and the Gothamist a link to the post on my blog about this, which was on the third of February: http://arthurkaligos.wordpress.com/2010/02/03/rip-cynthia-wood/
Too bad you guys don’t believe in giving a shout out to blogs of your loyal readers.
*art
the woods moved into the apartment below mine when they had to vacate broken angel & we’d talk often. eccentric folks, for sure, but she was a stellar lady.
I had just moved to Bed-Stuy in 2005 when I saw the movie “Block Party.” (which was filmed the year before) I fell in love with the movie and was so intrigued to learn more about Arthur, Cynthia and the Broken Angel. A google search led me to the Brownstoner and I’ve been an avid reader ever since. The Broken Angel, though now nearly destroyed, is a great inspiration and I’m so glad Dave Chappelle and Michele Gondry documented its magic while still intact. RIP, Cynthia.
The Gothamist article says that she and Arthur Wood met at Wolmann Rink when she was 18, and they were both on dates with other people. Their eyes met, and that was it. I love stories like that.
The street entrance to the Broken Angel building is off the beaten path–unless you are going to the Salvation Army depot, it’s on a path to nowhere, even for gang bangers.
I used to live on the parallel block and saw Cynthia Wood a lot, walking the dog or on the way to or from the supermarket. She was quite a character. Won’t say more out of respect to the departed.
what a sad little memorial. 🙁 isnt it odd how she gets basically that, and gang bangers who get shot get 5000 stuffed animals, 40000 candles, 150 empty 40 ounce bottles (seriously, ive seen this), etc etc.
*rob*
Maybe Dave Chapel and other celebs could throw a benefit to try to bring the house up to code and save it?
she sounds like such a cool lady. i’m sure she will be greatly missed. hopefully they find a way to maintain the house in some form. what a loss it would be if they tore it down.