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.
$3,944Sale Price|35% Off
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
$3,052 / item
2 ceramic bottles roger capron vallauris 60's
By Roger Capron
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Duo of “Gin” and “Whisky” ceramic bottles from the 1960s by French ceramist Roger Capron, produced in Vallauris. White-glazed ceramics with multicolored geometric decoration on each....
Ceramic
$4,226Sale Price|20% Off
Ceramic Vase "Molaire" by Roger Capron, Vallauris, France, 1953-65
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic Vase "Molaire" by Roger Capron, Vallauris, France, 1953-65 Largest model of the three sizes.
Ceramic
$3,005Sale Price / item|20% Off
Ceramic Pitcher by Roger Capron, France, Vallauris, 1950s
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic pitcher by Roger Capron, France, Vallauris, 1950s. Pyjama decor. Model P2
Ceramic
Ceramic Vase by Roger Capron, France, 1950s
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic vase by Roger Capron, France, 1950s Signed "Capron Vallauris".
Ceramic
Ceramic Pitcher Vase "Cassis" Roger Capron from the 60's, G504
By Roger Capron
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
High pitcher or ceramic vase of Roger Capron from the 60s from Vallauris. Enameling in shades of light gray, black, green. Nice geometric decoration on the vase. Very nice vintage co...
Ceramic
$4,884Sale Price|20% Off
Ceramic Vase by Roger Capron, France, 1960s
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic vase by Roger Capron, France, 1960s Signed "Capron Vallauris".
Ceramic
$1,485Sale Price|25% Off
Roger Capron - Vintage Ceramic Cognac 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
Roger Capron - Rare Dark Red Vintage Ceramic Bottle
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
$1,642Sale Price|25% Off
Roger Capron - Vintage S-shaped Ceramic Serving Platter
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Vintage S-shaped Ceramic Serving Platter by Roger Capron - Vallauris, France Roger Capron was in influential French ceramicist, known for his tiled tables a...
Ceramic
$1,295Sale Price|30% Off
Roger Capron - Ceramic Canoe Dish with Abstract Design
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Vintage ceramic decorative vessel Roger Capron Signed Vallauris, France. Roger Capron was in influential French ceramicist, known for his tiled tables and his use of recurring moti...
Ceramic
Roger Capron, Delta, Stylized Handled Ceramic Platter, France, 1960
By Roger Capron
Located in New York, NY
Roger Capron, the celebrated French mid-century ceramist, created a large body of work notable for its elegance, varied sources of inspiration, and expert execution. This beautiful, ...
Ceramic
Roger Capron Ceramic "GIN" Bottle from Vallauris, 1950s
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Roger Capron (1922-2006) Stylized ceramic bottle "GIN" signed by Roger Capron, Vallauris, France, 1950s. Unusual with this design, nice condition
Ceramic
Rare Large Tureen by Roger Capron, Vallauris, circa 1960
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Roger Capron (1922-2006). Large tureen in ceramic, white enamel with grey-blue motifs. Stamped and numbered. Bibliography: R.Capron, Ceramiste by P....
Faience