The blaze that began on Union Street has left one independent creative business facing a total loss. On Union Street in Glasgow, a fire that started in a vape shop on Sunday (8 March) spread to neighbouring premises and damaged multiple units, including the premises where Wig Chapel operated. The studio owner, Jack Baxter, described losing his tools, stock and work accumulated over a decade; he has launched a public appeal to recover from the disaster and re-establish his workspace.
Local emergency services contained the incident after an extended response that affected transport in the city centre and left many small businesses counting losses. Baxter, who relocated from London to Glasgow in 2026 to reduce overheads, says this is the most severe obstacle he has faced after years of recovering from setbacks. With no insurance payout forthcoming, he has turned to the community and customers to help cover immediate costs and enable him to continue making the bespoke headpieces and wigs that serve drag performers across the UK.
How the fire affected the studio and surrounding area
Reports indicate the fire originated in a vape shop and then moved through adjoining buildings, causing widespread damage. While there were no reported injuries among the public, the impact on local commerce was significant: services at Glasgow Central were disrupted and numerous small enterprises were affected. For Wig Chapel, the consequences were total: the studio, computer, camera, materials and finished wigs were all destroyed. Baxter, a self-taught artist, said he lost ten years of accumulated work and stock, which represents not only tangible items but also the reputation and momentum of a brand built over a decade.
Community response and the fundraiser
In response to the loss, Baxter created a GoFundMe page titled “Rebuild WIG CHAPEL” with an initial target of £26,000. The page explains that funds will cover rent for a new studio, replacement equipment, materials and refunds to clients who were affected by appointments and commissions. Within a short time the appeal drew broad support: by the time of reporting the campaign had raised more than £18,600 from hundreds of donors, reflecting strong backing from the drag community, past customers and local supporters who want to see the business return.
How the money will be prioritised
Baxter has outlined priorities for the donations: securing a new workspace, purchasing essential tools and materials to resume production, and reimbursing clients whose orders were lost. He emphasises accountability and gratitude, noting he has no insurance payment expected and is therefore relying on public goodwill. The fundraiser message asks anyone who has bought a wig, liked his social posts, or simply wants to back a queer artist to contribute. Baxter has publicly thanked donors and said their support will help him “start again,” while acknowledging the responsibility that comes with receiving community funds.
What comes next for Wig Chapel
Looking forward, Baxter plans to rebuild the business by finding new premises and re-establishing production as quickly as possible. He is determined to continue creating pieces for drag performers nationwide and to recover from the setback he calls the greatest of his career. Supporters who cannot donate can still help by sharing the fundraiser and keeping an eye on updates from Wig Chapel. The situation highlights how a single incident can ripple through a local arts ecosystem and how community solidarity can play a central role in recovery for small creative businesses.