However a study of the original drawings suggests that they may have actively collaborated with Chippendale on his book.
Some of the original drawings are in the National Art Library at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Copeland was probably the originator of a peculiar type of chair back, popular for a few years in the middle of the 18th century, consisting of a series of interlaced circles.
Much of his work has been attributed to Thomas Chippendale, and it is certain that one derived many ideas from the other, but which was the originator and which the copyist is by no means clear.
[2] He died in 1754, and on 8 October his apprentice was handed over to his widow Elizabeth, who continued his business in his name.