The Prickly Chairs introduce a design that combines both, Mexican and European aesthetics, to create a cultural blend which was exhibited at ‘designersblock’ exhibition during the Milan Design Week 2009.

Prickly Pair chairs include a set of lady’s and a gentleman’s French oval model chairs that are hand-made. Every part, from the buttons to spikes, has been crafted, inspired by the original carving of the French period style, which can also be customized.

The French oval chair was introduced during the period of Louis XV in which the difference lies in the armrest, which is only present on a man’s chair, and not the lady’s. Wohlers has portrayed two elements in these chairs, the cactus and Nopales, believed to bring meaning to Mexican daily life and form the beloved symbols of the country’s culture.

Prickly Pair chairs are made using rough timber and plywood which was curved, blended and carved. The finishing is made using Polyurethane paint, and viscose rayon, linen and silk are the fabrics used. The gentleman’s chair measures 180cm in height with a width of 110cm, and a seat height of 50cm. The lady’s chair has the same measurements except for a width of 50cm. The gentleman’s chair costs GBP2,000 ($3,342 approx.) and a lady’s chair costs GBP1,800 ($3,008 approx.)

Valentina Gonzalez Wohlers, born in Mexico City in 1977, has studied industrial design and graduated with honors from the Iberoamerican University in 2000. In 2005, she moved to London, where she obtained her Master’s Degree in Contemporary Furniture at Central Saint Martins.