The Ivy Finola: A Mid-Century Hair Comb with English Country Elegance

The first time I held a Store P551 Ivy Finola in my hands, I noticed the delicate ivy leaf motif etched into its warm tortoiseshell celluloid. It was a design that seemed to whisper of English country gardens and the quiet elegance of post-war Britain. This comb, produced by Maison Archives in the early 1950s, belongs to a family of mid-century hair accessories that married naturalistic ornament with the new synthetic materials of the era. Unlike the more common geometric or floral patterns, the ivy motif on the P551 is unusually subtle — the leaves are shallowly carved, catching the light only when the wearer turns her head.

Origins and Design of the Ivy Finola

The Ivy Finola is a large, slightly curved hair comb designed to be worn at the nape or as a side accent. Its name likely derives from the Irish Fionnuala, meaning fair-shouldered, a nod to the romantic Celtic revival that influenced British fashion in the 1940s and 1950s. Maison Archives, the London-based atelier responsible for the P551, was known for blending traditional craftsmanship with modern production methods. The comb measures approximately 10 cm across and features 12 sturdy teeth, each tapered to grip thick mid-century hairstyles without slipping.

The Ivy Motif in British Jewellery and Hair Accessories

Ivy has long been a symbol of fidelity and eternal attachment in British decorative arts, appearing in Victorian mourning jewellery and Edwardian silver. In the mid-20th century, the motif was revived by designers seeking to evoke a sense of pastoral nostalgia. The Ivy Finola’s leaves are arranged in a gentle cascade along the comb’s spine, each leaf no larger than a fingernail. The carving is done by hand after the celluloid sheet is cut and shaped — a labour-intensive process that distinguishes authentic Maison Archives pieces from later mass-produced imitations. The depth of the carving varies slightly between individual combs, making each P551 a unique object.

Materials and Craftsmanship

Celluloid, the material of the Ivy Finola, was revolutionary in the early 20th century. It could be moulded, carved, and polished to imitate tortoiseshell, ivory, or horn at a fraction of the cost. Maison Archives used a high-quality grade of celluloid that resists the yellowing and brittleness common in cheaper alternatives. The P551 is a mottled amber-brown, with darker streaks that mimic natural tortoiseshell. The reverse side of the comb is smooth and unadorned, with a slight bevel along the edges — a hallmark of careful finishing. Unlike many combs of the period, the teeth are not machine-stamped but individually filed, which gives them a gentle, organic curve.

The Ivy Finola in the Mid-Century Silhouette

The 1950s and early 1960s were the golden age of structured hairstyles: the French pleat, the beehive, the pompadour. Combs like the Ivy Finola were essential tools for creating and securing these looks, but they also served as visible ornaments. The comb’s size — neither too small to be lost in the hair nor too large to overwhelm — made it versatile. It could anchor a chignon, hold back a side sweep, or simply add a touch of lustre to a plain updo.

Styling the Ivy Finola

For a period-appropriate look, try pairing the Ivy Finola with a low chignon. Start by brushing the hair into a smooth ponytail at the nape, then twist it into a coil and secure with bobby pins. Slide the comb in from the side, angling the teeth upward so the ivy motif lies flat against the hair. The comb works equally well as a side accent: gather a section of hair from the temple, twist it back, and insert the comb vertically. Because the teeth are widely spaced, the comb holds firmly even on fine hair without pulling. For a modern twist, wear it with a sleek low ponytail or a messy bun — the vintage texture of the celluloid contrasts beautifully with matte, un-styled hair.

Collecting and Caring for Your Ivy Finola

Finding a Store P551 Ivy Finola in good condition requires patience. The comb’s celluloid is durable but sensitive to heat and prolonged sunlight. Look for examples with intact teeth — chipped or broken teeth are difficult to repair without altering the comb’s silhouette. The ivy carving should be crisp; worn or blurred details suggest heavy use or improper cleaning. Authentic pieces bear no visible maker’s mark; Maison Archives stamped their products on the inner packaging rather than the comb itself. A surviving original box, often a simple cream card with black lettering, adds considerable value and provenance.

Cleaning and Storage

• Wipe the comb gently with a soft, dry cloth after each wear to remove hair oils and styling products.
• If the comb feels sticky, use a barely damp cotton swab with a drop of mild soap — never soak celluloid in water.
• Store the Ivy Finola flat in a lined jewellery box or wrapped in acid-free tissue paper. Avoid plastic bags, which can trap moisture and cause the celluloid to cloud.
• Keep away from radiators, direct sunlight, and extreme humidity. Celluloid is flammable, so never leave it near an open flame or heat source.
• For a gentle polish, rub the surface with a microfiber cloth. Do not use commercial polish or abrasive cleaners.

For another example of Maison Archives’ mid-century barrette craftsmanship, see our guide to the Sukie Barrette, a smaller clip with a contrasting geometric pattern. While the Sukie belongs to the same design family, its clean lines and metal construction offer a different aesthetic — one that complements rather than competes with the organic ivy of the P551.

Before you put your Ivy Finola away, check the teeth for any stray hairs—they can trap moisture. Then wrap it in acid-free tissue paper and store it flat in a lined box, away from radiators and sunlight. I once saw a P551 that had been kept in a drawer for sixty years; the ivy leaves were still crisp, the celluloid still warm to the touch. That’s the kind of longevity a little care can buy.