Edith Leaf Hairclip (Store P586): Collecting Mid-Century Celluloid

The Edith Leaf Hairclip, known to collectors as Store P586, is a three-inch tortoiseshell barrette shaped like a single leaf caught mid-curl. That gentle asymmetry—one side wider than the other—lets it wrap around a section of hair rather than just sit on top. It belongs to the late 1950s and early 1960s wave of organic modernism, when British accessory designers turned to leaves and stems for motifs that felt fresh without being fussy. Unlike the flashier diamante clusters or novelty poodle clips of the period, the Edith relies on subtle curves and warm celluloid tones to make its impression.

The Design and Inspiration

The Edith’s leaf shape is not a literal copy of any single plant—it is an abstracted form, with a pronounced central vein that runs from the base to the tip, and subtle undulations along the edges that suggest movement. The clip is a spring-loaded barrette style, with a metal hinge and clasp hidden beneath the decorative face. What makes the Edith distinctive is the way the leaf tapers asymmetrically: one side is slightly wider, so that when worn, the clip appears to wrap around the hair rather than simply sit on top of it. This asymmetry is a hallmark of thoughtful mid-century design, where functionality and visual interest were given equal weight.

Colour options for the Edith are typically limited to the warm, natural tones favoured in British accessory production of the period. The most common is a dark tortoiseshell—a mottled brown and amber celluloid that mimics the look of real tortoiseshell without the ethical cost. Rarer versions exist in a deep forest green and a soft ivory, though these are harder to find today. The tortoiseshell variant, with its subtle variations in shade, gives each clip a slightly different character, much like the grain of wood. For collectors, this individuality is part of the appeal.

Materials and Craftsmanship

The Edith Leaf Hairclip is made from celluloid, a semi-synthetic plastic that dominated the hair accessory market from the 1920s through the 1960s. Celluloid was prized for its ability to mimic more expensive materials—tortoiseshell, horn, even mother-of-pearl—while being lightweight and easy to mould into intricate shapes. The Edith’s leaf form was created by pressing heated celluloid sheets into a metal die, then trimming and polishing the edges by hand. The metal spring mechanism inside is typically a nickel-plated steel, which can show signs of wear after decades but remains functional if cared for properly.

One important note for collectors: celluloid is flammable and can degrade if exposed to high heat or prolonged sunlight. It also develops a characteristic camphor-like smell with age, which is normal and not a sign of damage. The Edith clips that survive in good condition usually come from estates where the accessories were stored in cool, dark drawers—a reminder that preservation is as much about environment as it is about use.

Historical Context

The 1950s and early 1960s were a golden age for British hair accessories. Hairstyles like the French pleat, the poodle cut, and the bouffant required pins, combs, and barrettes that could hold volume while adding a decorative touch. Department stores and small haberdasheries stocked a wide range of clips, often produced by workshops in Birmingham and London that specialised in costume jewellery and small metal goods. The Edith Leaf Hairclip fits into this ecosystem as a mid-range piece—not as ornate as the diamante-studded barrettes worn for evening, but more refined than the simple metal bobby pins used for everyday hold.

For collectors familiar with the structured lines of the Darcy barrette, a collector's guide to the P289 mid-century hair accessory, the Edith Leaf Hairclip offers a softer silhouette. Where the Darcy is all angles and precision, the Edith is organic and flowing. Together, they represent the two poles of British design thinking in the post-war period: the machine-age geometric and the naturalistic romantic.

Styling the Edith Leaf Hairclip

The Edith’s understated elegance makes it surprisingly versatile for modern wardrobes. Its warm tortoiseshell tones complement earth colours—olive, rust, cream, navy—and work well with both casual and dressy looks. For a daytime outfit, try securing a low side ponytail with the Edith placed just above the elastic band, letting the leaf shape lie flat against the hair. The asymmetry of the clip means it looks best when positioned slightly off-centre, either on one side of a centre part or angled diagonally above a chignon.

In evening wear, the Edith can be paired with other vintage-inspired accessories. A simple black dress and pearl earrings become more interesting when the hair is swept into a loose twist and anchored with the leaf clip. Because the clip is not overly shiny or reflective, it does not compete with jewellery—it adds texture and a quiet nod to the past without shouting. For those who prefer a more layered look, two Edith clips can be worn stacked vertically along a French twist, provided the hair is thick enough to hold both.

Care and Preservation

Owning a celluloid hairclip from the mid-century requires a gentle hand and a few simple habits. Here are the most important practices for keeping your Edith Leaf Hairclip in excellent condition:

• Clean sparingly. Wipe the clip with a soft, dry cloth after each wear to remove hair oils and product residue. If deeper cleaning is needed, use a barely damp cotton swab—never soak celluloid in water.
• Avoid heat and sunlight. Celluloid can warp, discolour, or even ignite if left near radiators, in sunny windows, or inside a hot car. Store the clip in a fabric-lined box or a drawer away from direct light.
• Check the spring. Over time, the metal clasp may lose tension. If the clip no longer grips hair firmly, a jeweller or vintage accessory restorer can often replace the spring without damaging the celluloid face.
• Separate from other accessories. Celluloid can react with certain metals and plastics if stored in direct contact for long periods. Wrap the Edith in acid-free tissue paper or keep it in a small cotton pouch.
• Embrace the patina. Minor surface scratches and a slight yellowing are natural in a sixty-year-old piece. They do not reduce the clip’s value or beauty; they are part of its history.

Identifying Authenticity

Because the Edith Leaf Hairclip was produced in a pre-digital era, no official catalogues or serial numbers survive for most stock-keeping units. The “Store P586” code is believed to have originated from a small chain of British accessory shops or a wholesale distributor’s inventory system, though records are scarce. To verify authenticity, look for the following markers: the celluloid should have a warm, slightly translucent quality when held up to light; the metal hinge should show a nickel-plated finish with no modern stamping marks; and the clip should have a subtle camphor scent, especially if warmed gently in your hand. Reproduction clips made in recent decades often use resin or acrylic, which feel colder and heavier than celluloid.

Store the Edith in a cool, dark drawer, preferably inside a fabric-lined box. Over time, the celluloid may develop a warm amber patina that adds character—just keep it away from radiators and direct sun. With that simple care, the leaf clip will hold its shape for another sixty years, and its camphor scent will remain a quiet signature of the original material.