The design reform theorists of mid-century Britain insisted on simple ceramic shapes--easy to handle and clean--as well as ornamentation appropriate to the use of the vessel. Copeland adheres to these principles in their "Harvest Barrel" jug, while also indulging in some trompe l'oeil whimsy. The jug takes the form of a slender, but realistic, barrel complete with wooden staves and hoops. The only violation of the illusion is the manner in which the sprays of grain--appropriate to the use of the jug for ale--are impossibly tucked within the supposed hoop binding.

In Relief Moulded Jugs: 1820-1900, R. K. Henrywood traces the origin of the "Harvest Jug" design to a sketch published in the journal of the Art-Union in 1848.  This was part of a series titled "Original Designs for Manufacturers" which the Art Union published to encourage design improvement.  The Art Union purchased the designs from individual artists, then made them available free of charge to manufacturers with the recommendation that manufactures contact the original designers to discuss changes or improvements. Copeland modified a design by a fellow identified as H. Green, creating an even simpler profile. (Henrywood, p. 126)