The Illinois Executive Mansion in Springfield, home to Illinois governors and their families since 1855, is undergoing a $15 Million renovation. Funded entirely by private donors, the restoration includes a renewed visitor’s center and historic exhibits, including a room displaying rare artifacts from the 1893 World’s Fair held in Chicago.
Occupying the mansion during the Columbian Exposition was John Altgeld, the first Chicago resident and first foreign-born citizen to have been elected governor. He served from January 1893 to January 1897.
The Illinois Bicentennial Commission has announced that “period bedroom suites on the second floor will highlight the Civil War Period of the 1860’s and the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893.”

Artist’s rendering of the “Columbian Exposition” bedroom on the 2nd floor of the Illinois Executive Manions. [Credit: Vinci Hamp Architects; from www.classicchicagomagazine.com]

Hand-carved furniture displayed at the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 and part of the collection of the Illinois Executive Mansion in Springfield. [from www.classicchicagomagazine.com]
The newly renovated facility will open in August 2018 as part of the Illinois Bicentennial celebration.
Hello, i bought a home with a similar fireplace. Story was the owner at the time, went to the world fair in 1893. Loved the work of one artist, bought one item from the fair, and commissioned 4 other items. Bed, fireplace, desk,two end tables, and a dining room sideboard. All are still with decent other than the fireplace that I have. But the name of the artist has been lost. Wonder if it is this Barlels. Do you have any more information on him?
Your fireplace sounds like a wonderful antique. I don’t know anything more about William J. Bartels or how to identify his work, though.