The English libretto by Arne is based on Nicolas-Médard Audinot and Antoine François Quétant’s Le tonnelier.

For example, Fanny’s recitative "He's gone to bed", is accompanied by crotchets marked "Play to the steps of her feet".

A modest success, The Cooper ran for nine performances in 1772, and a vocal score was published by Napier that year.

The old cooper searches for a reason to fire Colin but the young man outwits his employer with the help of his uncle Jarvis, to whom Martin owes considerable amount of money.

The arrival of Jarvis, who demands repayment, forces Martin to allow his ward to marry Colin.