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.
Matched Set of 7 Midcentury Roger Capron Ceramic Coasters
By Roger Capron
Located in Henley-on Thames, Oxfordshire
A matched set of earthenware drinks coasters by Roger Capron with incised and coloured decoration depicting trees and fishes. Stamped signatures to the reverse Vallauris, Fran...
Earthenware
Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Place Sets by Roger Capron, France, 1950s
By Roger Capron
Located in Berlin, DE
Roger Capron 1 of 2 Place Sets, France - 1950s. Roger Capron (1922-2006) was a French ceramic artist and designer who was known for his innovative use o...
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
$2,164 / set
H 0.2 in W 7.88 in D 1.97 in
Gio Ponti Silver Cutlery Set for Twelve by Krupp Italy 1950s
By Gio Ponti, Arthur Krupp
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Cutlery silver set for twelve in nickel silver or German silver, this set includes a total of 36 pieces; 12 spoons, 12 forks, and 12 knives with a steel blade. Set designed by Gio ...
Nickel, Stainless Steel
$10,552Sale 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
$1,996Sale Price|20% Off
H 3.94 in W 18.51 in D 12.21 in
Large Decorative Plate by Roger Capron '1950s'
By Roger Capron
Located in London, GB
A large decorative platter by artist Roger Capron (1922 - 2006) who founded the craft-based workshop in Vallauris, France, l'Atelier Callis, w...
Ceramic
Roger Capron - Ceramic Urn/Vase with Rooster
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Vintage ceramic vase with rooster by Roger Capron Vallauris, France. Roger Capron was in influential French ceramicist, known for his tiled tables and his use of recurring motifs s...
Ceramic
Roger Capron - Ceramic Urn/Vase with Dove
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Vintage ceramic vase with abstract design by Roger Capron. Vallauris, France Roger Capron was in influential French ceramicist, known for his tiled tables and his use of recurring ...
Ceramic
Large Diabolo Ceramic Vase by Roger Capron, France, 1950s
By Roger Capron
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
Large ceramic vase in a diabolo shape, created by Roger Capron in Vallauris in the 1950s. It features a graphic design typical of the artist, composed of stylized and colorful motif...
Ceramic
$525 / set
H 3.25 in Dm 6 in
Mid-Century Pfaltzgraff Pottery Lidded Onion Soup Au Gratin Casseroles, Set/6
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A set of six Mid-Century earthenware Onion Soup au Gratins, The Pfaltzgraff Pottery Company, circa 1950-1960. Six oven proof individual casseroles with s...
Stoneware
$998Sale Price / set|33% Off
H 0.5 in Dm 9.5 in
Roger Capron - Set of 6 Colorful Ceramic Plates with Mask
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
A set of six plates made by Roger Capron in Vallauris, France in 1960s. Same design presented in six different colors. The 6 plates come with their original packaging. We have 4 set...
Porcelain
Ceramic Vase by Roger Capron, Vallauris, France, 1950s
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic vase by Roger Capron, Vallauris, France, 1950s Signed Capron Vallauris.
Ceramic
Roger Capron - Set of 4 Ceramic Mugs with Cobblestones
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Set of 4 cups with cobblestones 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 - Vintage Ceramic Chocolate Pot
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
White glaze called "engobe" which is a unique type of coating that was used only in Vallauris (France). This piece was enameled in green which was suited for the melted chocolate it ...
Ceramic
Ceramic Cups by Roger Capron
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Cups made out of ceramic by Roger Capron
Ceramic