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.
Roger Capron 'Pyjama' Pendant Light, Glazed Ceramic, 1960s
By Roger Capron
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
Glazed ceramic with a geometric polychrome decoration, composed of a rhythmic grid of raised square elements characteristic of the so-called “Pyjama” series. The vivid palette—deep b...
Ceramic
$6,235Sale Price / set|20% Off
Two light ceramic pendants by Roger Capron, Vallauris, France, 1960's
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Two ceramic light pendant by Roger Capron, circa 1960's One is signed and open on the top, the other is stamped and closed on the top
Ceramic
$3,117Sale Price|20% Off
Ceramic pendant by Roger Capron, France, 1960's
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
ceramic light pendant by Roger Capron, signed
Ceramic
Cute Petite Ceramic Shade Pendant Light, Italy 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Petite ceramic pendant light. Made in Italy, circa 1960s by a ceramic Company. The combination of the brass, white cord and a cream colored ceramic shade makes the pendant lamp a gem...
Brass
Roger Capron - Oval Cream Glazed Lamp
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Carved 'sun goddess' design hand-glazed in cream and moss by master ceramist Roger Capron.
Ceramic
$3,200
H 15 in W 9 in D 4 in
Roger Capron French Ceramic Table Lamp Ochre Incised Figure Decoration Vallauris
By Roger Capron
Located in Chicago, IL
Roger Capron French figural ceramic table lamp. Original oval burlap shade. The clay gres is rubbed with iron oxides which penetrate into the incised drawing. The lamp is unglaze...
Ceramic
Golden French 1960s Pendant Flush Light
Located in New York, NY
A stunning 1960s French polished solid brass round disc fixture with 16 solid glass orbs. Five-light sources which emit light downward through the glass as well as up toward the ceil...
Brass
French Designer, Pendant Light, Fabric, France, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A beige fabric pendant likely designed and produced in France, c. 1960s. Some small stains on fabric. Wear consistent with vintage age and normal use. Replaced canopy. Overall Dim...
Fabric
French Designer, Pendant Light, Fabric, France, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A beige and brown embroidery fabric pendant light likely designed and produced in France, c. 1960s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 20.0" Height x 14.0" Diameter Stem Length (inches):...
Fabric
French Designer, Pendant Light, Ceramic, France, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A blue and white-glazed ceramic pendant light designed and produced in France, c. 1960s. Wear consistent with vintage age and normal use. replaced canopy. Overall Dimensions (inche...
Ceramic
Ceramic Table Lamp, Capron Vallauris, 1960
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
A bottle shape table lamp White enamelled ceramic with polychrome pavé design . Roger Capron, Vallauris 1960. signed Capron France B3 Vintage shade i...
Ceramic
Small Capron Style Vallauris Glazed Ceramic Lamp - France 1950's
By Roger Capron
Located in New York, NY
Small glazed ceramic lamp with yellow stripes on a white background - France, 1950s. In the style of Capron's designs. Elegant black undulating frieze. Rewired for use in the US. Sha...
Ceramic
1960s Italian Cocoon Pendant Light
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Incredible cocoon pendant light in the style of Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni from Italy, 1960s. Unique dodecagon shade in a creamy parchment resin. Original resin shows nic...
Brass
Ceramic Pendant Lamp by Georges Pelletier, 1960s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Georges Pelletier ceramic pendant light, attributed to. Ceramic lamp, cream-white and brown tones, adorned with perforations and circles. French work realized in the 1960-1970s....
Ceramic
Rare Ceramic Lamp by Roger Capron and Jean Derval
By Roger Capron, Jean Derval
Located in Beerse, VAN
Rare lamp designed by Roger Capron and Jean Derval. With its natural colors and primitive decorations this lamp is a true eye catcher made by one of the most famous ceramists France...
Ceramic
Ceramic Pyjama light pendant by Roger Capron, 1960's
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
ceramic lignt pendant by Roger Capron, Pyjama model, stamped on the top
Ceramic
Two ceramic ligth pendant by Roger Capron, France, 1960's
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Two ceramic light pendant by Roger Capron, "pyjama" modele, circa 1960's One is signed and open on the top, the other is stamped and closed on the top
Ceramic
Ceramic pendant by Roger Capron, France, 1960's
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Ceramic pendant by Roger Capron, Vallauris, France, 1960's Signed
Ceramic
Colorful Ceramic Pendant Lamp by Roger Capron, 1950s
By Roger Capron
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
This pendant lamp was created by Roger Capron (1922-2006) in Vallauris in France. It is made from a metal structure with a colorful stripe ceramic tile lampshade. Rewired in the past...
Ceramic