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
19th-Century French Farmhouse Trestle Table in Solid Oak
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
A composition of elemental strength and rural dignity, this 19th-century French trestle table reveals a language of honest construction and quiet monumentality. Hewn from solid oak t...
Oak
19th Century Solid Oak Farm Table
Located in Brecht, BE
a french oak farmhouse table, closed the dimensions are 148 x 79 x 74 cm high, open 300 cm x 79 x 71 cm high, as pure as it gets, ready to ...
Oak
Antique French Louis XVI Style Walnut Cobbler's Work Table
Located in Houston, TX
Antique French Louis XVI style walnut Cobbler's work table. Handsome 19th century French Louis XVI walnut work table or cobbler's table with fluted legs and a single drawer. This ve...
Walnut
$2,800
H 31.88 in W 51.18 in D 30.7 in
Early 20th Century Spanish Pine Trestle Table with Wood Stretcher
Located in Miami, FL
Early 20th century Spanish pine trestle table with wood stretcher. Ideal for a kitchen.
Pine
Pine Trestle End Table
Located in New York, NY
Pine trestle end table, handpicked by buyers at Ann-Morris Inc.
Wood
19th Century French Louis XVI Style Rustic Walnut Table
Located in Houston, TX
Handsome French Louis XVI style walnut cobbler's work table with fluted legs and a single drawer. This versatile rustic table, farm table or work table dates to the early 19th centur...
Walnut
$9,500
H 30.5 in W 74.8 in D 25.6 in
19th C Italian Chestnut Primitive Capretta Style Table available in reproduction
Located in Encinitas, CA
THIS ANTIQUE TABLE HAS SOLD However, the primitive Capretta style is available in custom antique reproduction from Italy in a variety of old woods and finishes, any size and scale (console, dining, etc) - just inquire! Tuscan farmhouse table, commonly called a “capretta” table...
Chestnut
Italian Long / Refectory Table, circa 1900
Located in Copenhagen K, DK
Sophisticated antique Italian long / refectory table from circa 1900, with a delectable matte / dusky blue paint and perfect patina on the worktop surface. An elegant yet rustic tabl...
Wood
$5,800Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 30.75 in W 65 in D 31.5 in
17th C Italian Refectory Style Solid Chestnut CAPRETTA Table IN STOCK
Located in Encinitas, CA
CAPRETTA table line - our 17th Century Italian refectory style rustic table handcrafted in Old Chestnut with brushed surface to accentuate the grain and...
Chestnut
Spanish Walnut and Iron Trestle Table
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Walnut and wrought iron strap table with solid walnut top. Top was most likely one board but has split with age. carved lyre style legs, beautiful wrought...
Wrought Iron
$16,200 / item
H 30 in W 110 in D 42 in
Zinc Top Farm Table in Vintage Heart-Pine, Made to Order by Petersen Antiques
By Petersen Antiques
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This custom zinc top farm table is built to order using reclaimed heart pine. The zinc top is oxidized for a great patina and protected by a durabl...
Zinc
Rustic Country Style Baltic Pine Table, circa 1930s
Located in Barntrup, DE
Rustic Country style table with two drawers. Made of Baltic pine, circa the 1930s. The table is of very solid construction, stable, and in good an...
Wood, Pine