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.
Ceramic Tile Panel in Three Parts, attributed to Jacqueline Hubin for Capron
By Roger Capron
Located in Berlin, DE
This set of three ceramic tiles forms a continuous decorative composition depicting a stylized bird among branches and foliage, accompanied by a floral motif in a chalice. Executed i...
Ceramic
Flower 1 Plaque, Mid-Century Modern Clay and Glass Wall Sculpture
By Brent Bennett
Located in Berlin, DE
One-of-a-kind panel with floral motif that can be used either indoors or outdoors. Shown in natural clay with glazes and melted glass. Created 2019 by Brent J. Bennett, US (signed). Brent J. Bennett has achieved a worldwide reputation for design excellence. His goal over the last 50 years has been to create beautiful designed, quality pieces that other people enjoy. Most of his work has been architecturally oriented, such as large murals, outdoor furniture, and fountains. His background includes a BA degree from UCSB, two years graduate study at UCLA with Laura Anderson...
Clay, Glass
Ceramic Plaque with Rooster Motive by Jaqueline Hubin for Roger Capron
By Roger Capron
Located in Berlin, DE
This circular ceramic plaque features a stylized rooster in relief, animated by incised textures and warm, earthy glazes. A characteristic example Vallauris ceramics. The piece is i...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Flower Plaque Wall Sculpture in Clay and Glass
By Brent Bennett
Located in Berlin, DE
One-of-a-kind panel with floral motif that can be used indoors and outdoors. Shown in natural clay with glazes and melted glass. Created 2019 by Brent J. Bennett (signed), US Brent J. Bennett has achieved a worldwide reputation for design excellence. His goal over the last 50 years has been to create beautiful designed, quality pieces that other people enjoy. Most of his work has been architecturally oriented, such as large murals, outdoor furniture, and fountains. His background includes a BA degree from UCSB, two years graduate study at UCLA with Laura Anderson...
Clay, Glass
Set of 38 ceramic tiles by Roger Capron, France - 1970s
By Roger Capron
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of 38 tiles by Roger Capron, France - 1970s.
Ceramic
Set of 5 ceramic tiles by Roger Capron, France - 1970s
By Roger Capron
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of 5 tiles by Roger Capron, France - 1970s.
Ceramic
Ruscha Handarbeit ceramic floral wall plate , 1970s Germany
By Ruscha
Located in Delft, NL
Ruscha Handarbeit ceramic floral wall plate , 1970s Germany
Ceramic
1950s Floral Ceramic Wall Plaque by Swedish Tilgmans
By Tilgmans Keramik
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Handmade Mid-Century Modern ceramic wall platter by Margit Lagerqvist for Swedish Tilgmans in 1957. Hand painted floral decor in white, yellow, orange, rose, light blue and green col...
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
Ceramic Floral Relief Wall Sculpture by Neubauer, 1970s
Located in DE KWAKEL, NL
This ceramic relief wall sculpture by Neubauer, created during the 1970s, presents a richly textured botanical composition rendered in sculptural c...
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Wall Plate with Flower Design from Mit Stoneware, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Danish Studio Pottery Wall Plate with Flower Design from Mit Stoneware, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. This piece has an attribution mark. ...
Earthenware
70’s Stoneware Wall Plaque Flower
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
Stunning but heavy wall plaque in vibrant colors. On the back there is no signature of a maker or a label.
Stoneware
Heinz Erret for Gustavsberg. Large ceramic plaque with floral motif
Located in København, Copenhagen
Heinz Erret for Gustavsberg, Sweden. Large ceramic relief. Floral motif decorated in silver. Flower "Prästkrage" (Daisy). From the 1970s. With hanging attachment on the back. Marked...
Silver
His two gallery spaces in the German capital bring together thousands of pieces ranging from mid-century classics and Murano glass to covetable reproductions manufactured in-house.
Get to know the dealers and makers who are attracting worldwide attention.
