A crowned Biggie Smalls. That’s the first thing you see at Clumber Corner. This isn’t just any park in Brooklyn. It’s a place where history and hip-hop collide. Clumber Corner sits at the intersection of Prospect and Washington Streets. It’s a small grassy area. It’s more than just a green space. It’s a spot steeped in history.
Brooklyn Heights. Once a fashionable retreat for Manhattan businessmen. The area’s development boomed between 1830 and 1890. This created one of the city’s most architecturally diverse neighborhoods. Think elegant brownstones and charming streets. The area changed dramatically in the 1950s. The construction of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway altered the landscape forever. It destroyed many buildings. Yet it also brought the Promenade. This esplanade offers breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline.
Clumber Corner itself has a unique name. It’s named after the Clumber Spaniel. This breed of dog was known as the “retired gentleman’s shooting dog”. The dogs are known for their slow gait and talent for bird hunting. The Duc de Noailles of France was the first to breed them. He sent his spaniels to England during the French Revolution. They were housed at Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire. That’s where the name originates.
Now this unassuming corner is home to a striking piece of public art. A nine-foot tall bronze sculpture of The Notorious B.I.G. It’s part of NYC Parks’ Art in the Parks program. This program brings contemporary art to public spaces. The sculpture challenges traditional norms. It celebrates Biggie’s artistry and legacy. The sculpture includes resin-embedded album designs and a speaker. It plays a selection of his iconic songs. A neon heart proclaims “spread love”. One of Biggie’s most famous sayings.
So here you stand. At Clumber Corner. A place where history unfolds. Where the past and present meet. A tribute to a rap legend stands proudly. It’s a reminder of Brooklyn’s rich and ever-evolving story. It’s a testament to the power of art to transform a simple park into a vibrant place. A place to remember and reflect. A piece of New York’s soul. Enjoy the view and the music.