The Frank Kalan Romance Cover Art Collection

In December 2017, the Browne Popular Culture Library received 130 original oil paintings by commercial artist Frank Kalan, donated by his family. The paintings represent a period during the 1980s and 1990s when Mr. Kalan worked as a cover illustrator for romance novels produced primarily by Harlequin Enterprises. In addition to the paintings, the collection includes paperwork showing the direction Kalan received from the publisher, reference photographs used to create the paintings, and cover mockups created from the paintings.

The Frank Kalan Collection provides researchers with the opportunity to get up close and personal with one of the most important elements of romance novel marketing- the cover. In addition, the BPCL already holds copies of many of the books created from Mr. Kalan’s work. The ability to consider this particular combination of creative process and published product is unique among academic archives, and will be a tremendous resource for scholars of romance fiction, one of the fastest growing aspects of popular culture research.

Romance fiction generates more than $1 billion in revenue annually for the publishing industry, with thousands of new titles published each year. That such a massive economic engine is created primarily by women, for women makes it an important area of study for students of gender, business, and literature alike.

In keeping with its mission to both collect and share popular culture, the BPCL will also work to actively display the artworks for the public to enjoy. The Browne Popular Culture Library is grateful to the Kalan family for its generous donation, and is happy to be able to preserve and provide access to this important resource.

Additional information about Frank Kalan and his work.

Materials for the book Winter Sunlight
Materials for the book Winter Sunlight
Inventory
Title Author Year Book Call Number (if avail.) Painting Size Paperwork?
A Husband Made in Texas Carter, Rosemary 1997   12 x 18 Yes
A Killing in Quail County Cole, Jameson 1997 pop PS3553 O47285 K55 1997 18.5 x 29 Yes
A Lake in Kyoto Lewty, Marjorie 1985   11 x 15 Yes
A Man Untamed Arthur, Katherine 1990   11.5 x 19 Yes
A Most Determined Bachelor Macgregor, Miriam 1998   13 x 20 Yes
A Place Called Rambulara Way, Margaret 1984 pop PN6701 L7 H37 no. 2658 9.5 x 13.5 Yes
A Rooted Sorrow West, Nicola 1985   9 x 12 Yes
A Second Loving Jameson, Claudia 1989 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 2099 12 x 18 Yes
A Time To Grow Jameson, Claudia 1985   9.5 x 12.5 Yes
A Warning of Magic Kingston, Kate 1993   12 x 18 Yes
Always Christmas Rutland, Eva 1992 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 3240 11 x 17 Yes
Amaryllis Dreaming Harvey, Samantha 1985   9 x 12 Yes
Bittersweet Honeymoon Lewty, Marjorie 1988 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 2985 13 x 19 Yes
Bluebells On The Hill McMahon, Barbara 1986   9.5 x 12.5 Yes
Breaking the Ice Gregory, Kay 1990 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 3206 11 x 16.5 Yes
Brides for Brothers Macomber, Debbie 1985 pop PS3563 A2364 B741555 1998 13 x 20 Yes
Call Back The Past MacLeod, Jean 1988   11 x 17 Yes
Call of the Mountain MacGregor, Miriam 1986   10 x 13.5 Yes
Charlie's Dad Scott, Alexandra 1997   11.5 x 19 Yes
Christmas Angel Beverly, Jo 1993 pop PR9199.3 B424 C5 1992 11.5 x 18 Yes
Colours of Love Henaghan, Rosalie 1993   19 x 27 Yes
Contrasts Kirby, Rowan 1986   9.5 x 12.5 Yes
Daddy's Little Helper Macomber, Debbie 1995 pop PS3563 A2364 D31555 1998 13 x 19 Yes
Deck The Halls Allison, Heather 1990 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 3091 11.5 x 18 Yes
Denial of Love Kemp, Shirley 1992   12 x 19 Yes
Desert Rose May, Wynne 1993 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 3273 12 x 18 Yes
Distant Shadows York, Alison 1992   11.5 x 18 Yes
Every Kind of Heaven Campbell, Bethany 1991 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 3163 10 x 15.5 Yes
Family Secrets Michaels, Leigh 1994 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 3324 11.5 x 18.5 Yes
Fiance for Christmas George, Catherine 1998   12 x 20 Yes
Firm Commitment Denton, Kate 1991 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 3123 11.5 x 18 Yes
Flirtation River Campbell, Bethany 1988 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 2911 13 x 18 Yes
Force Field Donnelly, Jane 1986 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 2871 11 x 15 No
Foreign Affair Rutland, Eva 1992 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 3283 16 x 25.5 Yes
Forgive And Forget Sinclair, Tracy 1987   11 x 18 Yes
Found: One Father Waverly, Shannon 1996   13 x 19 Yes
From This Day Forward Marton, Sandra 1985 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 1308 9 x 13 Yes
Frozen Enchantment Steele, Jessica 1989 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 3065 11 x 15.5 Yes
Fully Involved Winters, Rebecca 1990 pop PN6017 L7 H37 no. 3047 11.5 x 18 Yes
Greek Island Magic Bevan, Gloria 1984 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 2618 10 x 14 Yes
He Was The Stranger Strutt, Sheila 1986   9 x 12 Yes
Heart of Marble Dawson, Helena 1988 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 3007 12 x 16 Yes
Hijacked Honeymoon Lennox, Marion 1997   12 x 20 Yes
Hitched: A Ranch, a Ring and Everything Daniels, Val 1996 pop PN6071.L7 H37 no.3418 12.5 x 19 No
Home For Christmas James, Ellen 1993   11.5 x 18 Yes
House of Mirrors Whittal, Yvonne 1983 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 2538 9.5 x 15 No
Impossible Inheritance Murray, Annabel 1990 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 98 11.5 x 18 Yes
In Pursuit of Love Bauling, Jayne 1995   10 x 16.5 Yes
Island of Love Hammond, Rosemary 1992   10 x 17.5 Yes
Ivy's League Allison, Heather 1993 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 3269 12 x 20 Yes
Jungle Antagonist Gair, Diana 1982 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 2530 9.5 x 15.5 Yes
Lake Haupiri Moon Moore, Mary 1983   10.5 x 15 Yes
Last Chance Marriage Gibson, Rosemary 1997   12 x 19 Yes
Legacy of Shadows Lennox, Marion 1994   11 x 18 Yes
Living Next Door to Alex George, Catherine 1996   12 x 20 Yes
Love Comes Stealing Scott, Alexandra 1983 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 2585 11 x 17 Yes
Love Is the Answer Hammond, Rosemary 1993   11.5 x 18 Yes
Love or Money Hart, Virginia 1991 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 3135 10.5 x 16 Yes
Love's Harbor James, Ellen 1991 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 3154 12 x 18 Yes
Maelstrom Cooper, Ann 1984 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 2630 10 x 14 Yes
Mail-Order Bridegroom Leclaire, Day 1994 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 3361 12 x 19 Yes
Man of Stone Roding, Frances 1987 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 1163 13.5 x 17.5 Yes
Master of Namangilla Daveson, Mons 1990 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 103 10.5 x 15 Yes
Moreton's Kingdom MacLeod, Jean 1982 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 2553 9.5 x 15 Yes
New Discovery Ayre, Jessica 1984   9.5 x 14 Yes
New Lease on Love Waverly, Shannon 1991 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 3204 12 x 18 Yes
Night Of The Spring Moon Hart, Virginia 1987   15 x 19.5 Yes
No Going Back Howard, Stephanie 1993   10 x 15.5 Yes
No Love in Return Barnes, Elizabeth 1989 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 2972 13 x 18 No
No Ties Gibson, Rosemary 1995   12 x 9 No
No Title - Red Sky Embrace w/ Palm Tree Unknown     9.5 x 15 No
Not Part of the Bargain Fox, Susan 1989 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 2983 11.5 x 15.5 Yes
Once for All Time Neels, Betty 1984   9.5 x 12.5 Yes
Once Upon A Wedding Riggs, Paula Detmer 1993 pop PN6071 L7 S54 no. 524 17.5 x 18 Yes
One Reckless Moment Allan, Jeanne 1988 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 2989 12 x 15.5 Yes
Only A Woman Campbell, Bethany 1988   9 x 12 Yes
Only My Dreams Kirby, Rowan 1987 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 2960 13.5 x 18 Yes
Outback Bride Hart, Jessica 1996   12 x 19 Yes
Passion's Vine Graham, Elizabeth 1985   10 x 12.5 Yes
Place For The Heart Leigh, Catherine 1989 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 3075 10 x 16 Yes
Playing for Keeps Hammond, Rosemary 1994   12 x 20 Yes
Preview of Paradise Sinclair, Tracy 1986 pop PN6071 L7 S57 no. 309 19 x 14.5 No
Ready for Romance Macomber, Debbie 1993 pop PN6071 H37 no. 3032 15.5 x 23 Yes
Red Hot Pepper Denny, Roz 1990 pop PN6071.L7 H37 no. 3032 12.5 x 18 Yes
Ride a Wild Horse Donnelly, Jane 1985   9 x 12 Yes
Rites of Love Winters, Rebecca 1990 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 3120 11.5 x 19 Yes
Road to Love Arthur, Katherine 1986   13.5 x 18 Yes
Season of Forgetfulness Summers, Essie 1983 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 2645 9 x 13.5 Yes
Secret Fire Winspear, Violet 1984   9.5 x 13 Yes
Secret Wedding Richmond, Emma 1996   11.5 x 18.5 Yes
Send in the Clown Knoll, Patricia 1989 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 3002 13.5 x 18 Yes
Send Me No Flowers Arthur, Katherine 1987 pop PN 6071 L7 H37 no. 2948 12 x 16 Yes
Separate Lives Jantz, Caroline 1986 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 2793 9 x 12 Yes
Shadow of a Tiger Donnelly, Jane 1993   11.5 x 18.5 Yes
Sight of a Stranger Field, Sandra 1981 pop PN6071 L7 M5 no. 1869;
pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 2480
15 x 17.5 Yes
Silver Bells Daniels, Val 1990 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 3092 11 x 18 Yes
Stone Angel Brooks, Helen 1992   10 x 15.5 Yes
Strictly Business Michaels, Leigh 1986 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 2951 13.5 x 18.5 Yes
Sweet Vixen Napier, Susan 1983   9 x 12.5 Yes
Taming a Husband Wallington, Vivienne 1996   13.5 x 18.5 Yes
Tarik's Mountain Janes, Dana 1987 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 2926 11 x 15 Yes
Temporary Arrangement Waverly, Shannon 1993 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 3259 16 x 25.5 Yes
Temporary Paragon Goldrick, Emma 1986 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 2889 11 x 15 Yes
That Man From Texas Wilder, Quinn 1985   9 x 12.5 Yes
The Apollo Man MacLeod, Jean 1987   11 x 15 Yes
The Chain of Destiny Neels, Betty 1988 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no.3053 11.5 x 16 No
The Cinderella Coach Denny, Roz 1992 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 3169 13.5 x 20 Yes
The Diamond Trap Campbell, Bethany 1988 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 2522 13 x 18 No
The Games People Play Hadley, Liza 1989 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 88 10 x 16 No
The Heron Quest Lamb, Charlotte 1986   9.5 x 12.5 Yes
The Long Way Home Campbell, Bethany 1987   9.5 x 13 Yes
The Matchmaking Department McKeone, Dixie 1985 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 2722 9.5 x 12 Yes
The Only Solution Michaels, Leigh 1994 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 3337 11.5 x 18 Yes
The Passion and The Pain Absalom, Stacy 1984   9.5 x 12.5 Yes
The Real Fantasy Anderson, Caroline 1996   12 x 19 Yes
The Santa Sleuth Allison, Heather 1993 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 3341 12 x 18 Yes
The Singing Tree Weale, Anne 1992   12 x 18 Yes
The Tiger's Cage Way, Margaret 1996   9 x 12 Yes
The Turn of the Tide Day, Samantha 1984   10 x 13 Yes
Tidal Wave MacLeod, Jean 1990   10 x 15 Yes
Trouble in Paradise Green, Grace 1996   12 x 18 Yes
Turquoise Heart James, Ellen 1990 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 3069 10 x 15.5 Yes
Valley of Gentians Rome, Margaret 1982 pop PN6071 L7 m5 no. 1909;
pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 2513
9 x 15 Yes
Verdict: Parenthood McBride, Julie 1997 pop PN6071.L7 H323 no.699 14.5 x 17.5 Yes
Walk Into Tomorrow Carter, Rosemary 1985 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 2816 9 x 12 Yes
Web of Fate Dawson, Helena 1991   11 x 18.5 Yes
Wild For To Hold Murray, Annabel 1985   9 x 12 Yes
Wildtrack West, Nicola 1983 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 2610 11.5 x 18.5 No
Winter Stranger, Summer Lover McMahon, Barbara 1986 pop PN6071 L7 H37 no. 2895 12 x 16 Yes
Winter Sunlight Alexander, Susan 1986 pop PN6071 L7 H38 no. 1031 11.5 x 15 Yes

Updated: 06/05/2023 09:21AM