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, 1960s Glazed Ceramic Design
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
$6,119Sale 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
$3,059Sale 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
1960s Mid-Century Table Lamp in Glazed Stoneware, Roger Capron Style
By Roger Capron
Located in Benalmadena, ES
This table lamp is executed in glazed stoneware in the style of Roger Capron, echoing the ceramic language associated with Vallauris in the south of France during the 1960s. The roun...
Ceramic, Earthenware
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
Roger Capron - Oval Cream Glazed Lamp (w/o Shade)
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Carved 'sun goddess' design hand-glazed in cream and moss by master ceramist Roger Capron.
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
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
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
$3,137Sale Price|20% Off
H 9.06 in W 7.49 in D 5.12 in
French Vintage Ceramic Table Lamp by Roger Capron, 'circa 1950s'
By Roger Capron
Located in London, GB
French decorative ceramic lamp with hand-painted horse by Roger Capron (circa 1950s). This is Capron's 'Coupe n°2 lamp' which is signed in the interior of the vertical base. A rare piece indeed, hand-painted with a stylised horse in his inimitable style. The ceramic is in fair overall condition showing some fading and marks commensurate with age and usage. This is an exceptional piece for admirers of the works of master ceramicist, Roger Capron. Signed: 'Capron Vallauris'. Lampshade shown in photos is 30 cm (11.8") in diameter and will be included when requested. Currently wired for usage in the UK but you can have it adapted to your location. Please enjoy the many photos accompanying the listing. Upon request a video can be provided. About the Artist: The mid-century ceramic art of Roger Capron (1922-2006) embodied the vibrant spirit and verve of Vallauris and the French Côte d'Azur. He took over an abandoned pottery studio at the age of 24 in Vallauris, where he worked with Robert Picault and then Jean Derval. Capron’s ceramic workshop, known as "l'Atelier Callis", contributed to the renaissance of ceramics in Vallauris and at its peak employed over 120 ceramicists. He eventually expanded his production of vases, pitchers and other functional wares to include coffee tables with hand glazed tiles, lamp bases, wall plaques and other interior decor objects along with sculptural statues...
Ceramic
Roger Capron Soleil Table Lamp
By Jean Derval, Roger Capron
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Stunning table lamp designed by Roger Capron and Jean Derval, this piece is made from ceramic and features a striking central design. Depending on your perspective, you may see a sin...
Ceramic
Roger Capron Stamped Ceramic Table Lamp, circa 1970, France.
By Roger Capron
Located in Brussels, BE
Impressive Roger capron table lamp, circa 1970, France. Incised stoneware debossed stamp "Capron Vallauris France". New ivory fabric shade. Dimensions: total height: 61 cm, lamp foot...
Stoneware, Fabric
Kalmar Pendant Light, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Fantastic ice crystal shaped pendant light by Kalmar. Handmade glass on a metal frame This chandelier emits a wonderful light. Works with a regular E27 light bulb. Good ...
Metal
Finnish Midcentury Pendant Light, 1960s
Located in Praha, CZ
Very decent and nice style of lighting.
Brass
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