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.
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
$12,500
H 11.75 in W 43.25 in D 18.75 in
Stamped Roger Capron Garrigue Coffee Table with Textured Tile c. 1960's
By Roger Capron
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stamped Roger Capron Garrigue rectangular coffee table, France, circa 1960s. The textured ceramic tile top features a rich palette of warm, earthy glazes with subtle tonal variation,...
Metal
Roger Capron Vallauris table
Located in LYON, FR
Maison Lecan presents this magnificent coffee table by Roger Capron, the famous master ceramist from Vallauris. This iconic model stands out for its beautiful ceramic tile tabletop d...
Ceramic
$4,252
H 11.62 in W 27.56 in D 28.15 in
Roger Capron “Herbier” square ceramic coffee table, Vallauris, 1960s
By Roger Capron
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Square coffee table, “Herbier” model, by the famous French ceramicist Roger Capron, dating from the 1960s. Steel frame and ceramic tile top featuring the famous plant motifs. Tiles i...
Steel
$5,315
H 13.78 in W 46.46 in D 23.23 in
Roger Capron Garrigue Herbier Coffee Table, Vallauris, circa 1970
By Roger Capron
Located in Antwerp, BE
A ceramic tile coffee table by Roger Capron, Vallauris, France, circa late 1960s to early 1970s. This table belongs to Capron's well-known Garrigue/Herbier group of ceramic furnitur...
Ceramic, Wood
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
$3,779
H 15.36 in Dm 27.96 in
Roger Capron " Herbier " Ceramic Coffee Table - Vallauris, France - circa 1960s
By Roger Capron
Located in leucate, FR
This magnificent and highly collectible coffee table is an authentic piece by the renowned French ceramist Roger Capron (1922-2006), created in his studio in Vallauris during the mid...
Metal
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
Roger Capron, Low Coffee Table, Tile, Stained Wood, France, 1970s
By Roger Capron
Located in Stamford, CT
Roger Capron, French Mid-Century Modern, Guarrigue Low Coffee Table, Floral Tiles, Stained Wood, France, 1970s French modernist rectangular waterfall coffee or cocktail table design...
Ceramic
$1,224
H 13 in W 55.91 in D 24.02 in
Table basse vintage Roger Capron en bois foncé et céramique de Vallauris
By Roger Capron
Located in BESANÇON, FR
Grande table basse rectangulaire vintage Roger Capron des années 60 70, pieds et structure en bois de hêtre foncé, plateau rectangulaire en céramique de Vallauris avec insertion de 3...
Ceramic, Wood
$10,039
H 12.6 in W 21.26 in D 46.46 in
Coffee/cocktail table, stoneware tiles tabletop, Roger Capron, Vallauris 1970.
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
Unusual coffee table with a thick tabletop made of 36 square sandstone tiles ( 22 tiles embossed with geometric patterns and 14 smooth tiles in the center ); the apron made of 26 re...
Stoneware, Beech
$14,764
H 13.39 in W 52.76 in D 27.17 in
Ceramic "Shogun" coffee table by Roger Capron, Vallauris, 1970's
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Coffee table by Roger Capron Shogun model, large one Signed Wood feet France, Vallauris, 1970's
Ceramic, Wood
Coffee table by Roger Capron
By Roger Capron
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Jolie table par Roger Capron en céramique ocre à décor central de soleil figuratif.
Iron
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