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.
Roger Capron Vintage Round Ceramic Tile "Les Herbiers" Coffee Table
By Roger Capron
Located in North Miami, FL
This “Garrigue” model round shape coffee table features ceramic tiles decorated with leaves, with a constructivist base in oak. The base is separate from the round top which sits ne...
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
$4,640Sale Price|20% Off
H 16 in Dm 35 in
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 tiles produced by a technique...
Metal
$3,680Sale Price|20% Off
H 13 in Dm 31 in
Roger Capron - Round Ceramic Coffee Table from the Herbier's Series on Wood Legs
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Round end or coffee table with the famous Roger Capron Herbier tiles, designed from 1968 to 1982. The tiles are nicely underlined with a white grout. The handcrafted Herbier tiles...
Ceramic, Wood
$6,500
H 12.75 in Dm 42 in
Roger Capron French Ceramic Oval Coffee Table with Garrigue Leaf Decorations
By Roger Capron
Located in Chicago, IL
Roger Capron ceramic coffee table with impressed leaf decorations. The leaves are from the surrounding woods and gardens of Vallauris where Capron had his studio. The unglazed stone...
Wood, Ceramic
$944Sale Price|42% Off
H 15.75 in Dm 28.15 in
French Round Coffee Table with Ceramics in the Capron style
By Roger Capron
Located in Labrit, Landes
Round coffee table with faience top signed Leduc and made in Vallauris. This table is made is the style of the "Garrigue" serie from Roger Capron. The tiles represent flowers like da...
Faience, Wood
Roger Capron French Mid-Century Ceramic and Oak Sunburst Coffee Table
By Roger Capron
Located in Queens, NY
French Mid-Century (1960s) round coffee table with a stained four leg oak frame and stretcher supporting a beige ceramic sunburst design tile top with leaf decoration. (signed: ROGER...
Ceramic, Oak
Charming Herbier Coffee Table by Roger Capron
By Roger Capron
Located in NICE, FR
Roger Capron's (1922-2006) herbarium coffee table is a mid-20th-century design piece, characterized by a ceramic tile top adorned with plant-inspired or abstract motifs. Hand made in...
Ceramic, Wood
$3,248
H 12.8 in Dm 33.47 in
French Round Coffee Table Herbarium Vallauris Ceramics Signed Raymonde Leduc
By Raymonde Leduc
Located in Labrit, Landes
Round coffee table with faience top signed Leduc and made in Vallauris. This table is a part of the "Garrigue" serie. Garrigue is the specific name for Mediterranean vegetation. You ...
Faience, Wood
Rare Roger Capron Ceramic Coffee Table
By Roger Capron
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Wonderful ceramic tile top coffee table designed by Roger Capron — France 1960's Unique Hand painted ceramic tile with illustrations of whimsical animals and objects ; Lion, Octopus...
Iron
Augusto Bozzi, Pair of Mid-Century Chairs, 1950s
By Augusto Bozzi
Located in Gardena, CA
These striking Italian-designed chairs by Augusto Bozzi feature steel legs and a green and white fabric seat, a timeless product. Height: 31 in. Width: 20 in. Depth: 14 in. Seat Heig...
Metal
Tall Concrete Urn Planter
Located in Gardena, CA
Rare 1960s concrete large urn planter, featuring a timeless silhouette and weathered patina. Overall Diameter: 17 in. Height: 21 in.
Cast Stone
