Ryerson and Burnham Archives The Art Institute of Chicago   "Pastoral Scene" Mural by Gustaf Dalstrom A proposed* WPA mural for the Singer Diagnostic Building, 1938. "Mr. Dahlstrom, while at the institution, presented preliminary sketches for the mural panels for the lobby of the Diagnostic Building which will be incorporated in another project similar to the one just completed in the Administration Building." - from the "Annual Report of the Illinois Department of Public Welfare Manteno State Hospital - 1937 - 1938"   * Most recently, former employees have confirmed that there were murals in the lobby of Singer. Due to their hectic daily schedules however, they never had a moment to stop and consider them. Thus, a positive identification can not be made at this time. Photograph by Megan Bland Lobby of the Singer Diagnostic Building This photograph shows the lobby of the Singer Building prior to demolition in 2002. The lobby was octagonal with 4 open archways and 4 archway nooks which would have easily housed Dalstrom's proposed murals such as the one pictured above. "When one enters the main part of the building through a spacious doorway he will find a large octagonal lobby with walls of Cordova Shell marble. An interesting feature of this marble is the fossil evidence of prehistoric marine life. The floor of the lobby is of beautifully shaded terrazzo. A design is built into the central section of the lobby floor indicating the four points of the compass." -from the "Annual Report of the Illinois Department of Public Welfare Manteno State Hospital - July 1, 1936 - June 30, 1937" Links to other related information on this site: Barnard & Dalstrom: Poetry, Painting and Property WPA Murals of Manteno State Hospital