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.
Unique Gold Leaf Artwork, Roger Capron, Vallauris c. 1990
By Roger Capron
Located in St Ouen, FR
Roger Capron's talent as an illustrator takes on its full scope in this extremely rare gold leaf work from the 1990s when he explored new forms of artistic expression. The technique...
Glass
Vintage Signed and Framed Artwork of Garden Flowers.
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage Artwork on paper within Gold Toned Frame. Possibly Pencil and WaterColor. Signed on a Leaf at the Bottom as Pictured.Frame has Board Backing. Vintage Condition Consistent wit...
Wood, Paper
Roger Capron - Panel with 5 Ceramic Tiles - FISH 3
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Playful and whimsical, Capron’s art panels are the most sought after, as editions were small, and in some cases not more than a few, or by special commission. Some are rough and mat...
Ceramic
Roger Capron - Panel with 5 Ceramic Tiles - FISH 2
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Playful and whimsical, Capron’s art panels are the most sought after, as editions were small, and in some cases not more than a few, or by special commission. Some are rough and mat...
Ceramic
Roger Capron - Panel with 5 Ceramic Tiles - BIRD
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Playful and whimsical, Capron’s art panels are the most sought after, as editions were small, and in some cases not more than a few, or by special commission. Some are rough and mat...
Ceramic
Selection of Black and White Nude Artwork
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of black and white nude artwork from various artists, American, circa 1950s. From left to right, as seen in the first photo, they are: 1) The k...
Paper, Wood
Beautiful plate by Roger Capron
By Roger Capron
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Très jolie et large plat mural par Roger Capron à décor d’oiseaux. Très belle qualité d’émaux et de couleur.
Ceramic
Abstract Artwork by Miriam Kubach
By Miriam Kubach
Located in Atlanta, GA
Abstract charcoal drawing by Miriam Kubach, American, circa 1960s. Similar to works by Louise Bourgeois from the same era. It is executed on paper and has been professionally framed ...
Glass, Wood, Paper
$2,388 / set
H 0.79 in Dm 7.09 in
Roger Capron Set of 7 Ceramic Plates with Stylized Birds, Vallauris, 1950s
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, FR
Roger Capron (1922-2006) Unusual ceramic with birds decor set of 7 plates (diameter 18 cm). As wall decoration or dessert plates. Signed Capron Vallauris on back. Manufactured, circa...
Ceramic
Roger Capron Decorative Ceramic Plaque
By Roger Capron
Located in Grenoble, FR
Roger Capron decorative ceramic plaque.
Ceramic, Wood
Roger Capron - Vintage Decorative Ceramic Plaque
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Framed ceramic plaque with woman and plant; signed lower right. Roger Capron was an influential French ceramicist, known for his tiled tables and his use of recurring motifs such as...
Ceramic
Set of 5 Art Sketches by Roger Vansevenant (1922-2013)
Located in Poperinge, BE
A charming set of 5 sketches by Poperinge artist Roger Vansevenant (1922-2013), framed in attractive wooden frames, signed in pencil by the artist. Roger Vansevenant was a Belgian a...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Austrian School Artwork
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Charcoal drawing by art student.
Paper