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.
$1,755
H 11.03 in W 11.82 in D 23.63 in
Mid Century Ceramic Tile Side or Coffee Table with Iron Base, 1960s
By Mado Jolain, Roger Capron
Located in München, BY
Beautiful ceramic tile side table from the 1960s. Design or manufacturer unknown. This unique ceramic tile table has black colored metal feet. The table top is a geometric combinati...
Iron
$10,500
H 11.75 in W 37.5 in D 17.25 in
Roger Capron Garrigue Coffee Table with Textured Tile, Vallauris c. 1960's
By Roger Capron
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stamped Roger Capron Garrigue rectangular coffee table, France, circa 1960s. A richly textured ceramic tile top is composed of warm, earthy glazes with subtle tonal variation, lendin...
Metal
Garrigue Tiled Top Coffee Table, Steel Base by Roger Capron
By Roger Capron
Located in Toronto, CA
Just add this coffee table and transport instantly to a 1960s Provençal afternoon: sun-warmed tiles, limewash walls and the kind of pared down glamour the region is famous for. Rog...
Steel
$12,500
H 11.75 in W 43.25 in D 18.75 in
Signed Roger Capron Garrigue Coffee Table with Textured Tile c. 1960's
By Roger Capron
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Signed Roger Capron Garrigue coffee table, France, circa 1960s. The top is composed of glazed ceramic tiles in rich, earthy tones highlighted by an asymmetrical arrangement of creamy...
Metal
$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
$7,200
H 13.5 in W 28 in D 50 in
Roger Capron - Ceramic Coffee Table, Terra Cotta Tiles with a Sunken Wood Frame
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Vintage Coffee Table with Solid Clay Terra Cotta Ceramic Tiles with a Sunken Wood Frame by Roger Capron. Vallauris, France 1970s.
Ceramic, Wood
Tiled Coffee Table, Glazed Ceramic Tile Top, Metal Base, France, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
An elegant rectangular coffee table with a pared down dark metal frame and a tiled top arranged in a Mondrianesque pattern of black, red, and white rhombuses.
Ceramic
$3,523Sale Price|20% Off
H 11.82 in W 29.53 in D 28.75 in
Vintage Roger Capron Green Enameled Ceramic Coffee Table, 1960s
By Roger Capron
Located in London, England
The Roger Capron coffee table in green enameled ceramic is a real centerpiece that evokes the elegance and style of the 1960s. Its design, inspired by the undeniable charm of the Fre...
Metal
$7,400
H 11.25 in W 43.25 in D 18.25 in
French Ceramic Tile Coffee Table with Bird Motif by Roger Capron, 1960s
By Roger Capron
Located in Chicago, IL
A French ceramic tile coffee table by Roger Capron, crafted in Vallauris in the 1960s. The rectangular top is composed of earthenware tiles, each individually set to form a rhythmic ...
Metal
French Garrigue Ceramic Tile Coffee Table by Roger Capron, 1960s
By Roger Capron
Located in Chicago, IL
A French Garrigue coffee table by Roger Capron, crafted in the 1960s and combining ceramic and wood in one of the artist’s most iconic series. The tabletop is composed of Capron’s ce...
Ceramic, Mahogany
