Richard Cooper the elder was an English engraver, who for most of his career worked in Edinburgh.

Cooper was born in London, and studied engraving under John Pine. On the death of his father he was able to visit Italy, where he spent several years studying the masters, becoming a competent artist, and forming a collection of drawings and prints.

On his return to England Cooper went with a Mr. Guthrie, to Edinburgh where he settled as an engraver. He built a house in St. John Street, which he decorated with his own pictures. He took on apprentices including Robert Strange.

Cooper died in 1764, and was buried in the Canongate churchyard, Edinburgh.