Roger Capron is best known for his geometrically complex, vibrantly colored tile-topped coffee tables. These mid-century furnishings, with their comely palettes and playful arrangements of abstract forms or natural-world motifs, are approachable yet sophisticated. They draw on Scandinavian modernism and exemplify the Parisian ceramist’s belief in ensuring that things of beauty are easily and widely accessible, a principle espoused by French decorative artist and designer René Gabriel.
Capron graduated in 1943 from the School of Applied Arts in Paris. In a small atelier he later founded with Robert Picault and Jean Derval in Vallauris, Capron made alluring sculptures, table lamps and other objects and found inspiration in the work of Pablo Picasso, who had also opened an atelier in the region. He parted ways with his fellow ceramists in 1952 in order to open his own manufactory, Atelier Capron.
Initially staffed by a handful of workers, Atelier Capron captured international attention. His pieces were sold in stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Gimbels. Later, Capron’s wife, Jacotte, studied art and became a valued collaborator. Owing in part to her expertise in mixing pigments and glazes, Capron’s best-known ceramics feature dazzling colors and whimsical characters. Like Picasso, he experimented with many artistic styles and never settled on one technique for too long. His coffee tables, side tables and decorative objects are among the most enduring and coveted designs of the mid-century modern era.
While Capron’s factory had grown tenfold by 1980, it shut down a few years later after a slew of competitors began mass-producing cheaper imitations.
Capron won an award at the Milan Triennial in 1954 and International Grand Prize for Ceramics in 1970. His works have been displayed in the Musée National de la Céramique and the Musée Magnelli.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Roger Capron ceramics, tables and other decorative objects and furniture.
Set of Three Stoneware Door Handles, Roger Capron, Vallauris 1968
By Roger Capron
Located in St Ouen, FR
An exceptional set of three stamped stoneware door handles featuring the iconic stylized sun motif. They were created in 1968 by the artist as part of a large-scale interior design p...
Stoneware
Set of 2 Aluminum Palais Door Handles by Henry Wilson
By Henry Wilson
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 Aluminum Palais Door Handles by Henry Wilson Dimensions: W 13 x D 8 x H 2 cm Materials: Aluminum Palais lever handle in aluminium. Each handle i...
Aluminum
Set of 3 Art Deco Glass Door Handles with Plates
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a gorgeous set of 3 Art Deco glass door handles with plates. Amazingly complete set! Probably made in the US circa 1925-30. These ar...
Chrome
$3,071 / set
H 7.88 in W 7.88 in D 5.12 in
Set of Two Double Red Cast Glass Door Handles, Mid-Century Modern
Located in London, GB
A set of two double push and pull square textured vibrant red cast glass with mat antique bronze anodized aluminium fixtures. They are designed for a glass or wooden doors but suitab...
Glass
$1,296 / set
H 3.15 in W 10.24 in D 6.3 in
Square Design Architectural Bronze Door Handle and Letterbox Set, 1970
Located in London, GB
Square push and pull door handle and matching letter box with rhythmic relief resembling the waves of sound; Their original patina brings ou...
Bronze
French Set of Three Doors with Metal Louvered Shutters
Located in Round Top, TX
A terrific set of three washed, bleached wooden doors with painted metal louvered shutters. Wonderfully constructed with great patina. Not only fabul...
Metal
Pair of Brass Door Handles by William Tonks & Sons
Located in London, GB
A pair of Edwardian brass door handles by William Tonks & Sons of Birmingham. W T & S sun mark to back. William Tonks founded the firm in 1789. T...
Brass
$2,184 / set
H 6.5 in W 4.73 in D 2.45 in
Set of Two Bronze Push-Pull Door Handle with Raised Abstract Design
Located in London, GB
A set of two cast bronze push-pull door handles with raised abstract design. Mid to late 20th century. The set comprises two pieces of the same design, which can be turned to use on...
Bronze
$4,777 / set
H 5.52 in W 5.32 in D 2.37 in
Set of Four of Bronze Door Handles, Bell and Key Hole with Organic Relief
Located in London, GB
Set of four of bronze door handles with matching letterbox in strong relief like a crater in a landscape. These architectural pieces are made in the 1960-70's by sand cast in bronze....
Bronze
$6,825
H 866.15 in W 15.75 in D 7.88 in
Unique Door Length 2.5 meter Push & Pull Bronze 1960's Pair of Door Handles
Located in London, GB
Unique full door length 2.5 meter long push & pull tubular bronze door handles. They are bespoke 1960's and came from double glass doors of a formal bank in Germany. The patina is or...
Bronze
Bronze Pair of Push Pull Door Handles Relief of Waves
Located in London, GB
Two square cast bronze door handle, letter box and key holder with surface with strong relief like the waves. These identical handles can be applied inside or outside on a pair of double doors next to each other or on a single door on opposite sides. They can also make cupboard doors and kitchen units...
Bronze
Lalique door handles "Fauns"
By Marc Lalique
Located in Bridgewater, CT
Created by Marc Lalique in 1962, the Faunes door handles show two crystal fauns sculpted in relief, set amongst a motif of vine leaves and bunches of grapes. Handcrafted in France ...
Crystal
$1,800 / set
H 5 in W 1.5 in D 2.25 in
19th Century set of 3 Gilt Bronze Dog Head Door Handles or Drawer Pulls
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A gorgeous set of three door handles or drawer pulls in bronze with a gilt ormulu finish. They depict a dog’s head. Great detail and casting. Some minor nicks, scratches and gilt loss.
Bronze