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.
$4,017 / item
Pair of End Tables, Roger Capron, Vallauris c. 1970
By Roger Capron
Located in St Ouen, FR
Elegant set of two tables dating from the early 1970s. The top is composed of a very successful arrangement of 12 handcrafted stoneware tiles, some of which are hand-stamped with a ...
Iron
Lead Low Table, Roger Capron, Vallauris c. 1968
By Roger Capron
Located in St Ouen, FR
Table top consisted of an embossed lead foil stretched over a wooden frame fixed on 4 tubular oak legs. An exceptional cooperation with Jean Derval for this atypical hand crafted wo...
Lead
Stamped Stoneware Low Table by Roger Capron, Vallauris c. 1970
By Roger Capron
Located in St Ouen, FR
Elegant table dating from the early 1970s. The top is composed of a very successful arrangement of 40 handcrafted stoneware tiles, some of which are hand-stamped with a plant. Thes...
Iron
$10,160 / set
Pair of Low Tables, Roger Capron, Vallauris, c. 1965
By Roger Capron
Located in St Ouen, FR
End tables made up of glazed lava top. Both structure and feet in black lacquered steel. One table wears the Artist's signature. Note that the feet are removable, which signs both ...
Lava
$8,034
H 13 in Dm 42.52 in
Roger Capron Ceramic Coffee Table, Vallauris, France, circa 1955 (One Available)
By Roger Capron
Located in Antwerp, BE
One of the original two coffee tables by Roger Capron, circa 1955. Please note: one table has been sold. Only one example remains available. This exceptional mid-century French coff...
Ceramic, Wood
Roger Capron Coffee Table, Vallauris, France, circa 1950
By Roger Capron
Located in Antwerp, BE
An early and highly collectible ceramic tile coffee table by Roger Capron, executed in Vallauris around 1950, during the formative and most artistically significant period of his car...
Ceramic, Wood
$3,355Sale Price|20% Off
H 13.39 in W 53.15 in D 28.75 in
Roger Capron Signed Herbier Ceramic Coffee Table, circa 1965, France.
By Roger Capron
Located in Brussels, BE
Rare Roger Capron signed ceramic oval coffee table, circa 1965. Herbier model. Ceramic tiles, grass motifs, tinted oak frame and feet. Signed R. Capron on one ceramic tile. Good Co...
Ceramic, Oak
On Hold|$9,097
H 10.63 in W 47.45 in D 20.48 in
A " Cuvette " Stoneware Coffee Table by Roger Capron Vallauris France 1960's
By Roger Capron
Located in HYÈRES, FR
A " Cuvette " Stoneware Coffee Table by Roger Capron Vallauris France 1960's. Beautiful light stoneware tray, with shades of beige, brown, and hints of blue. Metal base with patina...
Metal
$7,679
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
A Large Coffee Table by Roger Capron Vallauris France 1970's
By Roger Capron
Located in HYÈRES, FR
A Large Coffee Table by Roger Capron Vallauris France 1970's. Attractive stoneware top with decorative patterns, beautiful shades of white, beige, and brown. Table frame and base i...
Stoneware, Wood
$4,253
H 11.82 in W 47.05 in D 17.33 in
Roger Capron rectangular ceramic herbarium coffee table, Vallauris
By Roger Capron
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
“Herbier” coffee table by renowned French ceramicist Roger Capron, dating from the 1960s. Steel frame and ceramic tile top featuring the artist's famous decorative plant motifs. Tile...
Metal
French Round Coffee Table Herbarium Vallauris Faience Top by Roger Capron
By Roger Capron
Located in Labrit, Landes
Round coffee table with faience top signed Roger Capron and made in Vallauris. This table is a part of the vegetal serie French, midcentury Capron's creations contributed to a verita...
Faience, Wood
$12,996
H 10.44 in W 46.66 in D 19.89 in
A " Cuvette " Stoneware Coffee Table by Roger Capron Vallauris France 1960's
By Roger Capron
Located in HYÈRES, FR
A " Cuvette " Stoneware Coffee Table by Roger Capron Vallauris France 1960's. A rare model with a lot of blue stoneware. Metal base with patina finish Stamped R.Capron Vallauris ...
Metal
$5,789
H 11.82 in W 40.95 in D 35.44 in
An " Herbarium " Ceramic Coffee Table by Roger Capron Vallauris France 1970's
By Roger Capron
Located in HYÈRES, FR
An " Herbarium " Ceramic Coffee Table by Roger Capron Vallauris France 1970's. Attractive oval shape. A rare model combining sandstone and white ceramic. Signed R. Capron In good...
Ceramic, Stoneware, Wood
$5,612
H 11.03 in W 38.59 in D 26.78 in
Roger Capron Signed Herbier Ceramic Coffee Table, circa 1965, France.
By Roger Capron
Located in Brussels, BE
Rare Roger Capron signed ceramic coffee table, circa 1965. Nice Herbier model. Ceramic tiles, grass motifs, tinted oak frame and feet. Signed R. Capron on one ceramic tile. Good Or...
Ceramic, Oak
Roger CAPRON - coffee table
By Roger Capron
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Roger Capron (1922-2006) Table en céramique, pied en métal. Kaki Dimensions : 39 x 72,5 x 74,5 cm.
Metal
Sold
H 14.18 in W 12.6 in D 12.6 in
Wooden and Ceramic Side Table, Roger Capron, Vallauris France c.1960
By Roger Capron
Located in St Ouen, FR
End table made up of a glazed ceramic tiles top opposite a wooden part, structure and feet in black lacquered steel. The handcrafted tiles are glazed using a various range of grey sh...
Ceramic, Wood
Roger Capron small green ceramic sofa end table Vallauris
By Roger Capron
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Small coffee table or side table of the French ceramist Roger Capron from the 60's. Structure of the base in black lacquered metal and top made with glazed tiles in green and brown t...
Metal
Roger Capron & Audoux Minet Table
By Roger Capron
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Charming Roger Capron and Audoux Minet side table - France, circa 1950s. Ceramic inlay of rooster in great color way.
Bamboo, Ceramic, Rattan
Roger Capron Cocktail Table
By Roger Capron
Located in New York, NY
Early cocktail table by Roger Capron. Oxidized steel frame and glazed ceramic tiles. Great abstraction and colors. Artist signed. Very good original condition with overall wear to base.
Steel
Sold
H 14.18 in W 55.52 in D 22.05 in
Modern Design Rectangular Coffee Table in Ceramic Tiles by Roger Capron, France
By Roger Capron, Vallauris
Located in Antwerp, BE
Natural 1970s coffee table. Studio Pottery tiles with pressed herbs and flowers. Sturdy dark wooden base. Artists stamp Capron, Roger Capron was a successful French designer and arti...
Clay, Wood
Sun Coffee Table by Roger Capron, 1960s
By Roger Capron
Located in bruxelles, BE
Roge Capron ceramic table representing a sun. Metal base.
Metal
Pair of Square Roger Capron "Planete" Tables
By Roger Capron
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tables on a metal base with ceramic tiles on top, signature on one tile, model planete one table in better condition than the other one, metal base rusted on the other one.
Ceramic
Ceramic Tile Side Table by Roger Capron
By Roger Capron
Located in Chicago, IL
Ceramic tile side table by Roger Capron (signed). More pictures to come.
Baby Side Table with Roger Capron Tiles
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Gueridon contemporary design with vintage Roger Capron tiles.
Metal
Roger Capron Pair of French Ceramic Side or End Tables
By Roger Capron
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Spectacular side tables by prolific Parisian artisan Roger Capron. These ceramic side tables with iron bases are very unique and extraordinary pieces by Capron. They are done in beau...
Iron
Signed "Fleur" Ceramic Cocktail Table by Roger Capron
By Roger Capron
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare "Fleur" ceramic cocktail table by Roger Capron. Studio-made and signed Roger Capron, Vallauris, France. Great as a pair of sofa end tables...
Ceramic, Wood