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.
Ceramic Wall Panel with Pierrot-like figure by Roger Capron France, 1990s
By Roger Capron
Located in Berlin, DE
Decorative ceramic wall panel by Roger Capron, featuring a Pierrot-like figure on a black background. The piece is made with raised ceramic elements, textured glazes and hand-drawn d...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Stoneware Wall Clock Birds by Raymond Peynet for Roger Capron, France 1960s
By Roger Capron, Raymond Peynet
Located in Berlin, DE
This charming wall clock was produced by the Roger Capron factory, featuring a design by Raymond Peynet, as indicated by the signature. Made from textured stoneware, it shows Peynet’...
Metal
Roger Capron - Ceramic Sculpture Cleopatra
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Vintage double sided ceramic sculpture of Cleopatra by Roger Capron Signed by Capron at Vallauris, France. Roger Capron was in influential French ceramicist, known for his tiled tab...
Ceramic
Industrial Bakelite Factory Wall Clock from Pragotron, 1960s
By Pragotron
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This wall clock was produced by Pragotron in former Czechoslovakia during the 1960s. It features a brown bakelite frame, a plastic dial, an aluminium hands and a convex clear glass ...
Glass, Bakelite
German 1960s Junghans Pendulum + Weights + Gong Wall Clock
By Junghans Uhren GmbH
Located in Krefeld, DE
Wall clock Design & produced by Junghans in 1960s. Brass metal and Teak wood. Mechanical movement and gong is in good working condition. Very nice gong but if you don't like it is po...
Brass
Vintage German Electric Wall Clock from Palmtag, 1960s
By Jacob Palmtag
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This wall clock was produced by Palmtag in Germany during the 1960s. It features a silver chrome plated iron frame, a metal dial and a curved clear glass cover. Original electric mov...
Iron, Chrome
Mid-Century Wall Clock by Klenoty, Czechoslovakia, 1960s
Located in Praha, CZ
Wall clock made by Klenoty in Czechoslovakia in 1960s. Made of glass and brass. Fully functional.
Metal
Industrial Factory Wall Clock from Pragotron, 1960s
By Pragotron
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This wall clock was produced by Pragotron in former Czechoslovakia during the 1960s. It features a grey metal frame, an iron dial, an aluminium hands and a clear glass cover. The pie...
Iron
Roger Capron - Vintage Ceramic Plate with Horse
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Vintage Ceramic Plate with Horse by Roger Capron - Vallauris, France Roger Capron was in influential French ceramicist, known for his tiled t...
Ceramic
Roger Capron - Glazed Ceramic Humidor
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Molded Ceramic Humidor with "Tabac" and Patterned Stamped Designs; Moss-colored Glazed Ceramic Finish with Original Natural Cork Stopper.
Ceramic
$273Sale Price|20% Off
H 7.09 in W 11.42 in D 1.19 in
Mid Century Ceramicl Wall Clock by PRIM, Czechoslovakia, 1960s
By PRIM Clocks
Located in Praha, CZ
- Czechoslovakia, 1960s - Maker : PRIM - Good original condition.
Ceramic
$1,637Sale Price|25% Off
H 6.11 in Dm 6.5 in
Vintage French Ceramic Cachepot by Roger Capron 'circa 1960s'
By Roger Capron
Located in London, GB
Vintage French ceramic cachepôt by Roger Capron (circa 1960s). A luscious creamy white base with a top band in a repeating pattern in lovely blues; below that another with leaf motif...
Ceramic
Wall Clock Leather Brass, 1960s
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A wall clock made of leather and brass manufactured in midcentury, circa 1960. The clock hangs with golden toned cords on a brass knob. A removable key is used for winding the move...
Brass
Henning Koppel for Georg Jensen, White Plastic Wall Clock, 1960s-1970s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Henning Koppel for Georg Jensen. White plastic wall clock. Dial with Roman numerals. Clockwork quartz, 1960s-1970s. Measures: Diameter 40 cm. In very good condition.
Plastic
Stoneware Wall Clock by Raymond Peynet for Roger Capron
By Roger Capron, Raymond Peynet
Located in Berlin, DE
This charming ceramic wall clock features a whimsical, hand-illustrated scene in a distinctly mid-century French folk-art style. Crafted from textured stoneware, the clock is richly ...
Ceramic
Stoneware Wall Clock by Roger Capron
By Roger Capron
Located in Berlin, DE
This sculptural wall clock was designed by Roger Capron himself and produced in his Vallauris workshop. Made from textured ceramic, it features Capron’s distinctive engraved decorati...
Ceramic
Sold
H 11.62 in W 7.68 in D 0.6 in
Roger Capron Wall Mounted Ceramic Clock, Signed, Circa 1960, France
By Roger Capron
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Roger Capron wall mounted ceramic clock, circa 1960. By Roger Capron, signed. (France). In original condition with minor wear consistent of age and use, preserving a beautiful pa...
Ceramic