The David Clements papers document the career and creative interests of Royce David Clements (1948-) who has spent more than 50 years involved in the cultural life of Detroit and southwest Michigan. In particular, the arts community in Detroit in the 1990s and 2000s is very well represented by postcards and flyers for gallery openings, museum exhibits, book signings, music festivals, and similar events.

The collection includes abundant examples of Clements’ own photography work, centering on the folk art of signage and billboards for small businesses; local architectural landmarks; and musical events such as gospel concerts and jazz festivals.

Clements has an interest in letterpress work, especially the Alternative Press (Detroit and Grindstone City, Michigan) and the collection includes an unusual broadside printed on aluminum foil by Clements himself. He also collects vintage ephemera, and the collection has numerous examples of packaging and labels for early 20c chewing tobacco.