The press was started by Dennis Hall in 1980 at Oxford Brookes University, the title reflected the then Oxford Polytechnic. It specialised in illustration and most books were printed litho, the smaller books printed in-house, the larger by Didcot Press. Dennis took early retirement in 1987 and by 2002 he had published more than sixty books.
 

In 2002, Carol Manheim and Dennis Hall started a new imprint, Artists' Choice Editions. Their original intention was to allow artists the opportunity to choose a subject and illustrate it. Some of the books reflect this aim. John Vernon Lord always wanted to illustrate The Hunting of the Snark and this gave him the chance to fulfill his wish. The press also publish 20th century art related books.

Carol Manheim has been an out-of-print bookseller specializing in 20th century Art, Design and Photography since 1984 and is a member of the ABA. She has had shops in Antiquarius, Museum Street and Biblion.

All Artists' Choice Editions are signed, limited editions. The type and illustrations are prepared for printing by Charles Hall in Cornwall; printing is under Keith Stubley's supervision at Northend Creative Print Solutions in Sheffield and all books are hand bound by Ludlow Bookbinders.