How to trace an old buisness?

Question:

How to trace an old buisness?

Does anyone know how I could go about finding the records of an old business in London? I have recently inherited an old family photograph album dating from around 1870 - 1900, some of the photos may be earlier. On the back of a lot of the photos is the name and address of the studio at which they where taken. Unfortunately the person who put the album together did not record who the people in the photos are so I was hoping I would be able to find the records of the studios in order to trace the them using serial / negative reference numbers used by the studios inorder to make copies if required.If any one has any suggestions they would be very much appreciated.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: If you have the name of the studio (and presumably the address or area) then look for the company in the local directories. Some can be used on line at:
www.historicaldirectories.org.

Another alternative is to use the photo-archives at National Archives (They are not available on line) or if they are in London try the Metropolitan Archive by the Family Records Centre in Islington.

Hope this is of some help.