Sanders of Oxford, in High Street, is one of the largest print sellers in Britain. They are probably best known for their antique prints, so it is easy to overlook their selection of contemporary works. From Thursday until January 26 that won't be possible, because the Oxford Print Makers Co-operative (OPC) will invade their 16th-century building.

Twenty five artists will be exhibiting. The subjects explored will be as diverse as the range of techniques employed. Some of them etch and engrave on copper using methods 16th-century print makers would have recognised, while others use screen printing and process camera and darkroom methods.

Sanders's Sarah Boada-Momtahan says: "We like to host the print makers because some people have a wrong impression that we are somehow exclusive. That couldn't be further from the truth.

"We are more like an interactive museum where you can touch and buy the prints. Prices actually start at £1. We also stock some rare pieces, so we like to think we have something for everyone. When the print makers are here more people become aware that we are now the only gallery on High Street with contemporary art. Contemporary art like Morna Rhys's works in colour on copper."

Morna says: "I like to study the effects of light on landscape, both moonlight and sunlight. Sometimes I use two plates one after the other in overlapping colours. Stolen Roses is, however, a one-plate medium etching."

Morna graduated from St Martins and is a professional artist, like all the exhibitors. According to the show co-ordinator, Elaine Williams, OPC was founded in 1976 when a group of artists, many of whom had graduated from the Ruskin School of Drawing, felt the need to create some facilities to continue working as artists.

"It is an open-access fine art print workshop. The venture is run by an elected management committee and four technical staff. This show is timed to coincide with the open-access exhibition at Modern Art Oxford. At other times of the year, we run courses and have demonstrations from visiting artists. In the past they have included Helen Chadwick, William Hayter and Krishna Reddy."

Sanders's staff members are also practising artists and are keen to share their knowledge and expertise. This is an exciting opportunity to view and compare the techniques and subject matter of print makers from the 16th century to 2008. Sanders's antique maps are interesting not just for their artist merit, although many are beautifully decorated. They present the world as it was viewed through 17th- and 18th-century eyes. The map shown here by Nicholas Visscher and Daniel Stoopendaal shows California as an island and Australia as New Holland.

Among my favourites are the 19th-century Japanese woodblock prints. Many were made to advertise theatrical productions and represented famous actors and actresses as well as intriguing characters. The firm also stock some contemporary Japanese prints, and it is interesting comparing their style with those in the OPC exhibition. Some of the British artists evoke as few elements as possible and avoid tremendous detail. Like the modern Japanese prints, they use a subtle chemistry. The result is an opportunity free of charge to see and handle antique and contemporary prints and be spoiled for choice.