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.
| 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 CULT 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 CULT 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 CULT PN6071 L7 H37 no. 3099 | 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 CULT PN6071 L7 H37 no. 3240 | 11 x 17 | Yes |
| Amaryllis Dreaming | Harvey, Samantha | 1985 | 9 x 12 | Yes | |
| Bittersweet Honeymoon | Lewty, Marjorie | 1988 | POP CULT 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 CULT PN6071 L7 H37 no. 3206 | 11 x 16.5 | Yes |
| Brides for Brothers | Macomber, Debbie | 1985 | POP CULT 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 CULT 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 CULT PS3563 A2364 D31555 1998 | 13 x 19 | Yes |
| Deck The Halls | Allison, Heather | 1990 | POP CULT 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 CULT PN6071 L7 H37 no. 188 | 12 x 18 | Yes |
| Distant Shadows | York, Alison | 1992 | 11.5 x 18 | Yes | |
| Every Kind of Heaven | Campbell, Bethany | 1991 | POP CULT PN6071 L7 H37 no. 3163 | 10 x 15.5 | Yes |
| Family Secrets | Michaels, Leigh | 1994 | POP CULT 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 CULT PN6071 L7 H37 no. 3123 | 11.5 x 18 | Yes |
| Flirtation River | Campbell, Bethany | 1988 | POP CULT PN6071 L7 H37 no. 2911 | 13 x 18 | Yes |
| Force Field | Donnelly, Jane | 1986 | POP CULT PN6071 L7 H37 no. 2871 | 11 x 15 | No |
| Foreign Affair | Rutland, Eva | 1992 | POP CULT 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 CULT PN6071 L7 H38 no. 1308 | 9 x 13 | Yes |
| Frozen Enchantment | Steele, Jessica | 1989 | POP CULT PN6071 L7 H37 no. 3065 | 11 x 15.5 | Yes |
| Fully Involved | Winters, Rebecca | 1990 | POP CULT PN6017 L7 H37 no. 3047 | 11.5 x 18 | Yes |
| Greek Island Magic | Bevan, Gloria | 1984 | POP CULT 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 CULT PN6071 L7 H37 no. 3008 | 12 x 16 | Yes |
| Hijacked Honeymoon | Lennox, Marion | 1997 | 12 x 20 | Yes | |
| Home For Christmas | James, Ellen | 1993 | 11.5 x 18 | Yes | |
| House of Mirrors | Whittal, Yvonne | 1983 | POP CULT PN6071 L7 H37 no. 2538 | 9.5 x 15 | No |
| Impossible Inheritance | Murray, Annabel | 1990 | POP CULT 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 CULT PN6071 L7 H37 no. 3269 | 12 x 20 | Yes |
| Jungle Antagonist | Gair, Diana | 1982 | POP CULT 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 CULT 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 CULT PN6071 L7 H37 no. 3135 | 10.5 x 16 | Yes |
| Love's Harbor | James, Ellen | 1991 | POP CULT PN6071 L7 H37 no. 3154 | 12 x 18 | Yes |
| Maelstrom | Cooper, Ann | 1984 | POP CULT PN6071 L7 H37 no. 2630 | 10 x 14 | Yes |
| Mail-Order Bridegroom | Leclaire, Day | 1994 | POP CULT PN6071 L7 H37 no. 3361 | 12 x 19 | Yes |
| Man of Stone | Roding, Frances | 1987 | POP CULT PN6071 L7 H38 no. 1163 | 13.5 x 17.5 | Yes |
| Master of Namangilla | Daveson, Mons | 1990 | POP CULT PN6071 L7 H37 no. 103 | 10.5 x 15 | Yes |
| Moreton's Kingdom | MacLeod, Jean | 1982 | POP CULT PN6071 L7 H37 no. 2499 | 9.5 x 15 | Yes |
| New Discovery | Ayre, Jessica | 1984 | 9.5 x 14 | Yes | |
| New Lease on Love | Waverly, Shannon | 1991 | POP CULT 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 CULT 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 CULT 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 CULT PN6071 L7 S54 no. 524 | 17.5 x 18 | Yes |
| One Reckless Moment | Allan, Jeanne | 1988 | POP CULT 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 CULT 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 CULT 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 CULT PN6071 L7 S57 no. 309 | 19 x 14.5 | No |
| Ranch, a Ring and Everything | Daniels, Val | 1996 | POP CULT PN6071.L7 H37 no.3418 | 12.5 x 19 | No |
| Ready for Romance | Macomber, Debbie | 1993 | POP CULT PN6071 H37 no. 3288 | 15.5 x 23 | Yes |
| Red Hot Pepper | Denny, Roz | 1990 | POP CULT 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 CULT 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 CULT 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 CULT PN6071 L7 H37 no. 3002 | 13.5 x 18 | Yes |
| Send Me No Flowers | Arthur, Katherine | 1987 | POP CULT PN 6071 L7 H37 no. 2948 | 12 x 16 | Yes |
| Separate Lives | Jantz, Caroline | 1986 | POP CULT 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 CULT PN6071 L7 M5 no. 1869; POP CULT PN6071 L7 H37 no. 2480 |
15 x 17.5 | Yes |
| Silver Bells | Daniels, Val | 1990 | POP CULT 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 CULT 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 CULT PN6071 L7 H37 no. 2926 | 11 x 15 | Yes |
| Temporary Arrangement | Waverly, Shannon | 1993 | POP CULT PN6071 L7 H37 no. 3259 | 16 x 25.5 | Yes |
| Temporary Paragon | Goldrick, Emma | 1986 | POP CULT 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 CULT PN6071 L7 H37 no.3053 | 11.5 x 16 | No |
| The Cinderella Coach | Denny, Roz | 1992 | POP CULT PN6071 L7 H37 no. 3169 | 13.5 x 20 | Yes |
| The Diamond Trap | Campbell, Bethany | 1988 | POP CULT PN6071 L7 H37 no. 2949 | 13 x 18 | No |
| The Games People Play | Hadley, Liza | 1989 | POP CULT 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 CULT PN6071 L7 H37 no. 2722 | 9.5 x 12 | Yes |
| The Only Solution | Michaels, Leigh | 1994 | POP CULT 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 CULT 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 CULT PN6071 L7 H37 no. 3069 | 10 x 15.5 | Yes |
| Valley of Gentians | Rome, Margaret | 1982 | POP CULT PN6071 L7 M5 no. 1909; POP CULT PN6071 L7 H37 no. 2513 |
9 x 15 | Yes |
| Verdict: Parenthood | McBride, Julie | 1997 | POP CULT PN6071.L7 H323 no.699 | 14.5 x 17.5 | Yes |
| Walk Into Tomorrow | Carter, Rosemary | 1985 | POP CULT 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 CULT PN6071 L7 H37 no. 2610 | 11.5 x 18.5 | No |
| Winter Stranger, Summer Lover | McMahon, Barbara | 1986 | POP CULT PN6071 L7 H37 no. 2895 | 12 x 16 | Yes |
| Winter Sunlight | Alexander, Susan | 1986 | POP CULT PN6071 L7 H38 no. 1031 | 11.5 x 15 | Yes |
Updated: 09/26/2025 02:41PM