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.
Artist Roger Capron Ceramic Tile in the Style of a Prehistoric Fossil Fish
By Roger Capron
Located in St. Louis, MO
Roger Capron French (1922–2006) large ceramic tile evocative of a prehistoric fossil fish, executed in intricate, dimensional detail and finished in...
Ceramic
Roger Capron Ceramic Sculpture Bottle "Lavande", 1950s
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Roger Capron (1922-2006) Stylized woman ceramic bottle "Lavande" signed by Roger Capron, Vallauris, 1950s Nice condition, with original glass bottle inside.
Ceramic
Roger Capron - Vintage Ceramic Footed Serving Dish
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Vintage Ceramic Footed Serving Dish by Roger Capron - Vallauris, France Roger Capron was in influential French ceramicist, known for his tiled tab...
Ceramic
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 - Vintage Ceramic Plate with Abstract Motive
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Vintage Ceramic Plate with Abstract Motive by Roger Capron - Vallauris, France Roger Capron was in influential French ceramicist, known for his...
Ceramic
Roger Capron - Vintage Ceramic Large Plate with Ram
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Vintage Ceramic Plate with Ram by Roger Capron - Vallauris, France Roger Capron was in influential French ceramicist, known for his tiled table...
Ceramic
Roger Capron - Vintage Ceramic Pastis Decanter with Long Neck
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Vintage Ceramic Pastis Decanter with Long Neck by Roger Capron - Vallauris, France Roger Capron was in influential French ceramicist, known for his tiled tables and his use of recur...
Ceramic
Roger Capron - Vintage Ceramic Pitcher with Cobblestones
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Vintage ceramic decorative pitcher signed by Roger Capron - Vallauris, France Roger Capron was in influential French ceramicist, known for his tiled tables and his use of recurring ...
Ceramic
$1,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 14 in Dm 6 in
Roger Capron - Set of 4 Vintage Ceramic Goblets with Cobblestones
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Set of 4 Vintage Ceramic Goblets with Cobblestones by Roger Capron - Vallauris, France Roger Capron was in influential French ceramicist, known for his tiled tables and his use of r...
Ceramic
Roger Capron - Vintage Ceramic Gin Flask
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Vintage ceramic decorative flask signed by Roger Capron - Vallauris, France Roger Capron was in influential French ceramicist, known for his tiled tables and his use of recurring mo...
Ceramic
$10,384Sale Price|20% Off
H 13.39 in Dm 11.03 in
Large Roger Capron Ceramic Vase, Vallauris, France, 1950s
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Large Roger Capron ceramic vase, Vallauris, France, 1950s Signed "Capron Vallauris".
Ceramic
Ceramic Vase "Soleil" by Roger Capron, France, 1950s
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic vase "Soleil" by Roger Capron, Vallauris, south of France, 1950s Signed Capron Vallauris.
Ceramic
Roger Capron - Vintage Freeform Ceramic Mirabelle Flask
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Vintage ceramic Mirabelle flask by Roger Capron - Vallauris, France Roger Capron was in influential French ceramicist, known for his tiled tables and his use of recurring motifs suc...
Ceramic