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.
Stoneware Wall Clock Birds by Raymond Peynet for Roger Capron, France 1960s
By Raymond Peynet, Roger Capron
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
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
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
Wall Clock by Piero Fornasetti
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Vienna, AT
Piero Fornasetti wall clock created in 1990s. Glass clock face with printed woman face and digits with quartz clockwork. Measures: Ø 37 cm.
Glass
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
Mid-century Brass Frame Wall Clock by Atlanta, 1960s, Germany
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Mid-century Brass Frame Wall Clock by Atlanta, 1960s, Germany It is working medium battery Measurements : 24 cm x 24 cm x 6 cm Please do not hesitate to ask us if you have any que...
Brass
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
$750
H 7.88 in W 11.82 in D 1.58 in
Brutalist Wall / Table Clock by Franco Bastianelli for Studio Cellini, Italy, 60
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Enamelled brutalist copper clock by Franco Bastianelli for Studio Cellini, Laurana Rame D'Arte in Pesaro, Italy 1960s. Handcrafted on a copper base, enameled on fire with striking colors. The clock is working and in very good vintage condition. The back has a double hook to hang it on the wall or become a table clock...
Copper, Enamel
Fornasetti Glass Wall Clock, Italian Design, 1990s
By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
1990s Gorgeous wall clock in glass by Fornasetti it's signed on the bottom. Made in Italy. It's in excellent condition and it works perfectly with an AA battery (quartz mechanism by ...
Glass
$850
H 3 in W 16 in D 16 in
Vintage Stationmaster 611 Oak Wall Clock by Arthur Umanoff for Howard Miller
By Arthur Umanoff, Howard Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A perfectly designed mid-century modern wall clock by Arthur Umanoff for powerhouse clock maker Howard Miller. The model 611 Stationmaster has a round solid oak case, white face wit...
Metal
Vintage Museum Wall Clock by Nathan George Horwitt for Howard Miller
By Nathan Horwitt, Howard Miller
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid Century Modern museum wall clock designed by Nathan George Horwitt for Howard Miller Clock Company, Zeeland Michigan. Encased with an eggshel...
Metal
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
Wall Clock " Atlanta ", Germany, around 1960s
Located in Wien, AT
Wall clock " Atlanta " germany, around 1960s Original condition of the case Battery operated, not mechanical.
Brass
Mid-Century Ceramic Wall Clock by Pollmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Ceramic clock with a mechanic movement made my Pollmann in Austria in the early 1950s. Delivery time about 2-3 weeks. The movement will be check by a clock maker before shipment. I...
Brass
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
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