Words Edel Cassidy
Los Angeles has long been a city of dreams, where light and architecture intertwine to create a landscape unlike any other. In his new tome, Golden Hour: The Architectural Treasures of Los Angeles, London-based illustrator George Townley captures this magic through his signature mid-century modern-inspired style, offering a fresh perspective on the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Known for his bold use of colour and meticulous attention to detail, Townley transforms LA’s architectural gems into sun-drenched, cinematic masterpieces. His illustrations bring to life the way light and shadow dance across the city’s structures, particularly during the famed Los Angeles golden hour – when the warm glow of sunset blankets the skyline in nostalgia and romance.
Townley’s journey as an illustrator began in Northern England, where the grey, muted landscapes sparked his desire to create vibrant, escapist art. His style fully blossomed during a study abroad programme in California, where the bright, laid-back atmosphere of the West Coast shaped his artistic voice. Since then, he has continued to refine his vision, blending nostalgia with contemporary flair to craft images that feel both timeless and modern.
Golden Hour is more than just an art book – it is a tribute to Los Angeles, a city that has inspired countless artists, filmmakers and dreamers. For lovers of art, architecture and the spirit of LA, this collection is an essential addition, offering a beautifully illustrated journey through one of the world’s most visually captivating cities.
Here we showcase a selection of images from the book, each described in the artist’s own words, offering further insight into his creative process and perspective.
Crapi Apartments
Address: 3374 Overland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90034
Once you get past the cheeky name, this apartment perfectly encapsulates everything I love about dingbat houses: the clean, simple design, the playful cursive typography and the mid-century modern-inspired symbol on the façade. And with a name like that, it’s no wonder this building has become such an inside joke among locals. Fun fact: the owner of this building also owns the ‘Chee-Zee’ apartments just around the corner. A commitment to amusingly named dingbat houses is definitely niche, but I respect it.
Theme Building (LAX)
Address: 209 World Way, Los Angeles, CA 90045
Architects: Pereira & Luckman, Paul R. Williams and Welton Becket
Year: 1961
The Theme Building is an iconic space-age structure at LAX. It’s a Googie style building, which is one of my favourite styles of architecture as it’s so reminiscent of the 1950s. It’s very retro futuristic and feels like something straight out of The Jetsons or Futurama. It’s also a very bittersweet building for me: the Theme Building is the first thing you see as you fly into LA, as well as the last thing you glimpse before you leave. It’s either marking the beginning of a new adventure or the end of a journey. So every time I see it I’m flooded with mixed emotions.
LA Union Station
Address: 800 N. Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Architects: John Parkinson and Donald B. Parkinson
Year: 1939
The first time I ever set foot in Los Angeles was when I arrived into Union Station during a weekend trip I took whilst staying in San Diego. Little did I know that this moment would mark the beginning of countless visits to a city that would come to mean so much to me. Although stepping out into Downtown Los Angeles isn’t the most glamorous introduction to the city, I still knew that something about it was special. That trip would go on to cement my love for LA which led me to the journey I’m on today.
Santa Monica Pier
Address: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Architect: Charles I.D. Looff
Year: 1916
The first day of my first ever visit to Los Angeles ended with a sunset at this pier. I always recommend anyone visiting LA for the first time make time to experience a West Coast sunset. Once you look past the crowds of people doing the same thing, you’re rewarded with a view that feels entirely your own. Funnily enough, Santa Monica Pier is also home to one of my favourite food spots in the city. Right at the entrance you’ll find a place called ‘Pier Burger’ and it very quickly became a favourite of mine. Locals are usually surprised when I mention it as one of my go-to burger spots, likely because there are so many other well-known options around. But I think nostalgia just makes everything taste better.
Echo Park
Address: 51 Echo Park Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Architect: Joseph Henry Tomlinson
Year: 1868
This is my favourite park in all of Los Angeles. Maybe it’s because I haven’t had the chance to explore as many of them as I’d like. I’ve just always been drawn to green spaces framed by urban backdrops, the contrast is just so interesting to me. There’s something magical about seeing a city’s skyline surrounded by a little bubble of nature. It feels like an escape from the chaos. I think it’s one of the things that originally drew me to London. Oh, and those swan boats are just so iconic.
Amoeba Music
Address: The former Amoeba Music original Hollywood store building, 6400 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Year: 1980
- ‘George Townley’ is published in Anthology Volume 23. Read more features from this volume or buy it now.
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