How to figure out the history of a piece of art
 

This weekend I was given two pen and ink (I think thats how they are referred to, I could be wrong) drawings. I am trying to figure out how to find out if they have any history? One of them was framed and the backing board on it says
The Art Publishing Co
1750 Fulton Street
Chicago Ill
200W

Can anyone offer advice on how to trace them back?

this is a scan of them

http://www.celticdesade.com/upload/marge01.jpg

http://www.celticdesade.com/upload/marge02.jpg

You might try the Antiques Roadshow website at:

Antiques Roadshow | PBS

They have some great resources there, especially if you can identify the artist.

you can get the work appraised at an antiques store or auction house, but the auction house may charge you.

This looks like it's from the '20's or 30's, very Art Deco in style.

I'd definitely try and look up the company in question. Most likely there will be a record of what they published and you could probably find it in an old catalogue perhaps.

I was thinking 20's or 30's myself, but I was basing that on the appearance of the couples. I've tried googling for the name of the place or the address but I am not turning anything up so far.

Maybe some of our Chicago TFPers could help you out. They may know who in the city could have beneficial information or who you should talk to.

I tried to call today to get information on The Art Publishing Company. I talked to the County Clerk's office and the Assumed Name dept at the City's office. I was trying to find out when the company was in business. City made me fill in and fax a freedom of information act form that they will review and decide if they will send the info. The county clerk said if it was after 1941 they might have a record but it was in a different place and she would have to call me back tomorrow.

I cant seem to find a Fulton street in Chicago, I can find 1750 West Fulton...I dont know if that is the same or not but that company isnt there.

Try some of these links:

Art Appraisals and Art Valuations JAKE BIDDINGTON

Art Appraisals - How to Determine the Value of Artwork

PS - Since the artist appears to be female you can also try the national association of women artists. They may have some history of the artist in their databases:

http://www.anny.org/2/orgs/0231/nawa.htm