HIGH POINT, N.C. — A beloved High Point landmark and famously huge piece of furniture has a winding story all its own.

What You Need To Know

  • The World’s Largest Chest of Drawers has almost 100 years of history

  • It draws attention to High Point as the Furniture Capital of the World

  • The World’s Largest Chest of Drawers is free to view and is at 508 N. Hamilton St.

The World’s Largest Chest of Drawers has almost 100 years of history and draws attention to High Point as the Furniture Capital of the World. Local artist Brian Davis shares a special connection with the drawers.

“Initially I worked for the same man who designed it, who conceptualized it and who helped build it,” Davis said. “I handpainted furniture for a long time. I did Bob Timberlake’s furniture. Talking about Sid Lenger, I worked for his company, Sidney Arthur, and they did handpainted furniture in the '90s,” Davis said.

Sid Lenger transformed the drawers from the way they looked when they were first built in the 1920s to the iconic, towering landmark we know and love today. The drawers changed hands and colors over the years until they found their way back to Davis.

“A few years back High Point University acquired this, and it was painted silver and just awful. They said we’d like you to come up here and restore this, but we also want you to make it a little more current,” Davis said.

He jumped at the chance to make what he calls a “re-original” work of art, using the exact paint formula Lenger used for the body of the drawers. He then updated the socks with colors to honor High Point. Pink and blue for the nearby children’s museum, the stars as a nod to the High Point Rockers and plenty of High Point University purple.

“I’ve made my impression on the history of the town that allowed me to really express who I am. It’s kind of one of those give-back moments,” Davis said.

The World’s Largest Chest of Drawers is free to view and is located at 508 N. Hamilton St. in High Point.