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.
$4,640Sale Price|20% Off
Table by R .Capron ceramicTop Labeled from prestigious Vineyards Signed
By Roger Capron
Located in Miami, FL
Tiles top Table by Roger Capron French ceramic Artist in Vallauris France. Representing the Etiquettes of the most prestigious Vineyards Mission Haut Brion ...
Ceramic, Wood
Coffee Table by Roger Capron, Wood and Ceramic, Signed, 1960.
By Roger Capron
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
1960s coffee table in wood and ceramic by Roger Capron, circa 1960, signed. H: 33cm, W: 103cm, D: 95cm Please contact us before ordering to confirm product availability.
Ceramic, Wood
Gueridon Console with 4 Ceramic Tiles by Roger Capron
By Roger Capron, Guéridon Design
Located in Stratford, CT
This coffee table / console is made with 4 ceramic tiles made in the 1970's by Roger Capron, one of the most well-known ceramist of the Modern era. Each tile is unique, hand-glazed ...
Metal
Double Gueridon Baby Side Table with 2 Roger Capron Ceramic Tiles
By Guéridon Design, Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
These double baby side tables were made with ceramic tiles made in the 1970's by Mr. Capron, one of the most well-known ceramist of the Modern era. Each tile is unique, hand-glazed ...
Metal
Roger Capron - Round Ceramic Coffee Table with Herbier tiles on Metal Frame
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Round coffee table with the famous Roger Capron Herbier tiles, designed from 1968 to 1982. The handcrafted Herbier tiles were a subset of the Garrigue...
Metal
Double Gueridon Baby Side Table with Ceramic Tiles by Roger Capron
By Guéridon Design, Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
These double baby side tables were made with ceramic tiles made in the 1970's by Mr. Capron, one of the most well-known ceramist of the Modern era. Each tile is unique, hand-glazed ...
Metal
$6,990
H 12 in W 47 in D 18 in
Roger Capron - Coffee Table with Terra Cotta Garrigue and Brown Tiles, 1970s
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Coffee table with the famous Roger Capron Garrigue tiles, designed from 1968 to 1982. Mr. Capron was often balancing his designs by incorporating either brown or white enameled t...
Ceramic, Wood
Gueridon Coffee Table with 4 Roger Capron Ceramic Tiles
By Roger Capron, Guéridon Design
Located in Stratford, CT
This coffee table is made from four ceramic tiles created in the 1970s by Roger Capron, one of the most renowned ceramists of the Modern era. Each tile is unique, hand-glazed, and v...
Metal
Baby Side Table with Orange Dot Roger Capron Tile
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
These tables feature new painted steel frames and a vintage lava tile from Roger Capron. Made in 1970s, these tiles vary in color and texture, resulting from the hand glazed process....
Metal
Roger Capron - Vintage Coffee Table with Ceramic Tiles
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Vintage ceramic coffee table with roger capron tiles. Hand-crafted tiles produced by a technique in which real leaves were pressed into ...
Metal
Roger Capron ceramic and wood coffee table
By Roger Capron
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Mid-Century Ceramic Coffee Table by Roger Capron, circa 1960 A stunning coffee table by the renowned French master ceramicist Roger Capron. This piece features a tabletop composed of...
Ceramic, Wood
Gueridon Coffee Table with 4 Roger Capron Ceramic Tiles
By Guéridon Design, Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
This coffee table is made with 4 ceramic tiles made in the 1970's by Roger Capron, one of the most well-known ceramist of the Modern era. Each tile is unique, hand-glazed and varied...
Metal
$6,700
H 26 in W 56 in D 16 in
Gueridon Console Table with 12 Red and 8 Navette Roger Capron Ceramic Tiles
By Guéridon Design, Roger Capron
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