Bloc magazine summer 25.

64 Design Icons #40. The first modern British passport was introduced in 1915 during World War I, a time when national security concerns called for greater regulation of international travel. Its format, a single sheet folded into a booklet, was the beginning of a long evolution in both form and function. In 1920, the familiar blue cover was introduced under the League of Nations standard, quickly becoming a symbol of British prestige and global mobility. The design of the passport has changed with the times. The iconic navy blue cover, embossed with the royal coat of arms, was a mainstay until 1988, when burgundy replaced blue to align with the European Union’s standardised colour scheme. This shift sparked controversy and nostalgia in equal measure. For many, the burgundy passport came to symbolise Britain's EU membership, a visual cue of continental cooperation. Following the Brexit referendum, the government announced a return to the traditional blue, reintroduced in 2020. Manufactured by a Franco-Dutch company, the new passport blends modern security features with a classic aesthetic. The rich navy, tactile cover and embossed gold crest speak to a heritage of dignity and independence, while digital enhancements and biometric data meet the demands of the 21st century. The British passport is more than a travel document. It’s a political statement, a design artefact, and a reflection of the UK's changing place in the world. In its colours, textures, and typography lies a quiet narrative of power, sovereignty, and identity - one that has evolved with every generation and will continue to do so. Few objects carry as much symbolic weight as the British passport. Beyond its practical use, it is a powerful emblem of national identity, political change, and design heritage.