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 - Gueridon Console Table with 12 Red and 8 Navette Ceramic Tiles
By Roger Capron, Guéridon Design
Located in Stratford, CT
This coffee console is made with 12 red and 8 navette ceramic tiles made in the 1970's by Roger Capron, one of the most well-known ceramist of the Modern era. We use these tiles to ...
Metal
$4,670
H 13.78 in W 46.46 in D 22.84 in
Roger Capron “Garrigue” Ceramic Tile Coffee Table, France, 1960s
By Roger Capron
Located in Almelo, NL
Roger Capron “Garrigue” Ceramic Tile Coffee Table, France, 1960s This refined coffee table was designed by Roger Capron in France during the 1960s and belongs to his iconic Garrigue...
Ceramic, Beech
$5,450
H 13.59 in W 46.66 in D 18.12 in
Roger Capron Coffee Table with Botanical Ceramic Tiles in Beige and Brown
By Roger Capron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Roger Capron, coffee table, ceramic, beech, France, 1970s This table is another exquisite example of Roger Capron’s work, showcasing a rectangular tabletop composed of his preferred...
Ceramic, Beech
Roger Capron Herbarium Tile Table
By Roger Capron
Located in Raleigh, NC
Rectangular form showcases Roger Capron's celebrated Herbarium series tilework, featuring botanical impressions embedded in glazed ceramic. The French ceramicist's distinctive techn...
Terracotta, Hardwood
$815Sale Price|47% Off
H 15.36 in W 23.63 in D 23.63 in
Coffee Table with Decorative Ceramic Tiles by Roger Capron, circa 1970s
By Roger Capron
Located in London, GB
Coffee table with decorative ceramic tiles by artist, Roger Capron. This charming table (circa 1970s) is a quintessential example of collectib...
Metal
$23,800
H 10.24 in W 46.86 in D 21.07 in
Roger Capron Rare 'Alouette' Coffee Table in Ceramic Tiles and Wood
By Roger Capron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Roger Capron 'Alouette' coffee table, ceramic beige tiles, beech, France, 1960s A striking and rare coffee table by Roger Capron, model 'Alouette', crafted in France. The design co...
Ceramic, Beech
$7,400
H 11.25 in W 43.25 in D 18.25 in L 11.25 in
French Ceramic Tile Coffee Table with Bird Motif by Roger Capron, 1960s
By Roger Capron
Located in Chicago, IL
A French ceramic tile coffee table by Roger Capron, crafted in Vallauris in the 1960s. The rectangular top is composed of earthenware tiles, each individually set to form a rhythmic ...
Metal
$7,566
H 11.82 in W 35.83 in D 40.56 in
"Pomona" coffee table, ceramic tiles tray, Roger Capron, Vallauris
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
Oval coffee table Model: "Pomona" white glazed ceramic tiles and unglazed tiles stamped with leaves decoration Wood frame and feet. Roger Capron, Vallauris Signed on a white til...
Ceramic, Wood
$4,470
H 15.36 in W 23.94 in D 23.94 in
Ceramic Low Table with Roger Capron's Tiles, France circa 1950
By Roger Capron
Located in St Ouen, FR
Garden table in terracotta ceramic tiles whose center is decorated with country motifs combining fruits, flowers and birds in an orientalist spirit. The enamelling in relief brings a...
Ceramic
$2,281
H 11.82 in W 16.93 in D 14.57 in
Roger Capron Herbier Coffee Table with Ceramic Tiles, Circa 1970
By Roger Capron
Located in London, England
Discover this authentic small "Herbier" coffee table signed by Roger Capron, a true masterpiece of French ceramic design that evokes the creativity and craftsmanship of Vallauris' go...
Steel
Roger Capron Vintage Round Ceramic Tile "Les Herbiers" Coffee Table
By Roger Capron
Located in North Miami, FL
This “Garrigue” model round shape coffee table features ceramic tiles decorated with leaves, with a constructivist base in oak. The base is separate from the round top which sits ne...
Ceramic, Wood
$1,550Sale Price|52% Off
H 32.38 in W 49.5 in D 19.63 in
Vintage Swedish Painted Console Table with Inlaid Tile Top and Three Drawers
Located in Highwood, IL
Vintage Swedish console table, side table, or even could be a greenhouse/garden table. The drawers are made with dove-tail construction a...
Ceramic, Wood
Small Ceramic Table, Roger Capron
By Roger Capron
Located in Los angeles, CA
Small Ceramic Table
Metal