Irita Marriott is a Latvian‑born antiques expert, auctioneer, and television presenter who has become one of the most recognizable faces in the UK’s antiques world. Born in March 1984 in rural Latvia, she grew up on a modest, self‑sufficient farm, an upbringing that instilled in her resilience, resourcefulness, and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and history from a young age.
At around 20 years old, Irita made a bold decision that would shape her future: she left Latvia and eventually settled in the United Kingdom, starting life anew with limited resources and language skills. Her first jobs in the UK were in retail — including working at a garden centre where she advanced to department manager and buyer — experiences that helped sharpen her observational skills, negotiation tactics, and commercial instincts.
Irita’s entry into the antiques industry began in earnest when she took on a part‑time role at a Derbyshire auction house. Over seven years she learned the intricacies of cataloguing, valuing, and identifying antiques, building a foundation that would support her later success. During this period, she also started dealing independently at fairs, car boot sales, and international events, gradually earning a reputation for having a keen eye for decorative antiques and collectible pieces sourced across the UK and Europe.
Her television breakthrough came in 2021 when she became a regular expert on BBC One’s Antiques Road Trip. Viewers quickly took to her engaging presenting style, deep knowledge, and accessible explanations of the antiques trade. She went on to appear on other beloved shows including Bargain Hunt, Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, and Channel 4’s The Greatest Auction, becoming a familiar face for daytime TV audiences interested in history, collectibles, and hidden treasure hunts.
In 2023, Irita took a major entrepreneurial step by launching Irita Marriott Auctioneers & Valuers in Melbourne, Derbyshire — one of the few female‑led auction houses in the UK. This venture reflects her ambition to make the antiques world accessible and transparent while serving collectors and sellers through both in‑person and online auctions.
Building on her business success, Irita also fronts her own television series, The Derbyshire Auction House, which follows her as she uncovers and prepares items for sale, offering viewers behind‑the‑scenes insights into the life of an auctioneer.
Beyond her professional achievements, Irita is known for balancing a busy career with family life. She lives in Derbyshire with her husband and their two sons, juggling the demands of business, TV commitments, and parenthood with enthusiasm and dedication.
Today, Irita Marriott stands as a leading figure in the British antiques community, a sought‑after media personality, and an inspiring example of entrepreneurial success, having transformed her passion for the past into a dynamic and influential career.
Early Life and Roots in Latvia
Irita Marriott was born in 1984 in rural Latvia, where she grew up on a self-sufficient family farm surrounded by nature and traditional practices. Life on the farm was practical but demanding, instilling in her a deep work ethic and appreciation for craftsmanship and history from a very young age. The simplicity of rural life shaped her core values—resilience, resourcefulness, and patience—traits that would later help her excel in the competitive world of antiques.
From early childhood, Irita showed a curious and observant nature. She would often examine old tools, furniture, and household items, fascinated by the craftsmanship and the stories they might hold. Her upbringing taught her the value of hard work and the satisfaction that comes from discovery and preservation—qualities that became central to her professional journey.
Moving Abroad: New Opportunities and Challenges
At age 20, Irita made a bold decision that would change her life forever. She initially spent two years working as an au pair in the United States, a move she took with little English but a strong desire to explore the world and secure a better future. After that, she relocated to the United Kingdom, arriving with minimal language skills, limited resources, but an abundance of determination.
Her first job in the UK was as a temporary Christmas worker at a garden centre. Through dedication and hard work, she quickly gained managerial responsibilities, including departmental oversight and purchasing duties. These roles unexpectedly laid the foundation for her future in antiques by sharpening her eye for quality, developing negotiation skills, and teaching her to understand customer needs—competencies essential for a successful career in antique dealing.
Finding Her Path: Stepping Into Antiques
While working at the garden centre, Irita became increasingly fascinated by items with history and character. Her interest in antiques developed gradually, guided by curiosity and a natural instinct for spotting value in overlooked objects. She began attending local markets, boot sales, and antique fairs, waking at dawn to hunt for unique pieces. Over time, she developed a keen eye for identifying treasures that were undervalued but rich in historical, aesthetic, and monetary significance.
Through consistent effort and an intuitive understanding of antiques, she started to attract a loyal clientele. Collectors and enthusiasts recognized her sharp eye and growing expertise, which gave her the confidence to pursue the antiques trade more seriously.
Professional Experience in Auction Houses
To deepen her understanding of the antiques market, Irita joined a respected auction house in Derbyshire as a cataloguer and valuer. This role offered her invaluable insight into the inner workings of the auction world, from understanding provenance and performing valuations to cataloguing items and building client relationships.
Spending several years in this environment was transformative. She not only enriched her knowledge of antiques but also built credibility within the professional community. The experience gave her a solid foundation in both the technical and interpersonal aspects of the trade, preparing her to operate successfully as an independent dealer and eventually as an auctioneer herself.
Building Irita Marriott Antiques: Entrepreneurial Spirit Takes Flight
By 2012, after gaining significant experience in auction houses, Irita felt ready to expand her role in the antiques world. She formally established her own antiques dealing business, Irita Marriott Antiques, focusing on decorative antiques such as fine furniture, porcelain, artwork, and collectibles sourced from across Europe.
Her business philosophy was simple: combine a deep respect for history with an eye for quality and aesthetic appeal. This approach quickly attracted international attention. Collectors and interior designers sought her out, appreciating her ability to uncover pieces that blended historical significance with contemporary charm. Her success illustrated that expertise, passion, and dedication could compete with—and often outperform—traditional credentials in the antiques world.
Television Career: Becoming a Household Name
Early TV Appearances
Irita’s reputation as a knowledgeable and personable antiques expert soon caught the attention of television producers. In 2021, she made her television debut on BBC’s Antiques Road Trip, a series in which experts travel across the UK sourcing antiques and selling them at auction.
Her engaging personality, clear explanations, and evident passion for antiques quickly made her a fan favorite. Audiences appreciated how she made the world of antiques accessible and exciting, demystifying valuation processes and sharing interesting stories behind each object.
Further Television Roles
Following the success of her debut, Irita appeared on several other shows, including Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, Bargain Hunt, and Channel 4’s The Greatest Auction. Each appearance allowed her to reach wider audiences and demonstrate her expertise in a range of antiques, from decorative objects to historical collectibles.
These appearances not only increased her visibility but also positioned her as a trusted voice in the antiques community. Her ability to explain complex concepts in a relatable way became a hallmark of her television presence.
The Derbyshire Auction House: A Show of Her Own
In 2024, Irita reached a new milestone with her own series, The Derbyshire Auction House, which aired on a popular television channel. The show offers viewers an insider’s view of her auction house operations, following her as she visits homes, discovers hidden treasures, and brings them to market.
The show highlights her belief that antiques are not just objects, but stories of people, families, and history. By combining education with emotional storytelling, she engages viewers while teaching them the value of provenance, history, and quality craftsmanship.
Her program also emphasizes the human side of antiques—helping families understand the sentimental and monetary value of heirlooms, while also showcasing her expertise in identifying market-worthy items.
Founding Irita Marriott Auctioneers and Valuers
In 2023, Irita achieved a significant career milestone by founding her own auction house, Irita Marriott Auctioneers and Valuers, in Derbyshire. This accomplishment placed her among a small group of female-led auctioneers in the UK, breaking traditional industry norms and highlighting her entrepreneurial courage.
Her auction house combines traditional valuation practices with modern accessibility. Both in-person and online bidding options are available, making antiques more approachable to new generations of collectors. The business reflects her belief that antiques should be enjoyed by a wide audience, not just elite collectors, and blends old-world expertise with contemporary marketing strategies.
Professional Style and Personal Philosophy
What sets Irita Marriott apart in her field is not just her expertise, but also her ability to communicate it effectively. Whether on television or in person, she explains complex antique valuation concepts in a clear, engaging way, making them accessible to people of all backgrounds.
Her philosophy emphasizes that antiques are more than just valuable objects—they are stories, memories, and connections to the past. She often highlights the importance of understanding an item’s history, provenance, and craftsmanship. By doing so, she invites her clients and viewers to appreciate the narrative behind each piece, creating a deeper emotional connection that goes beyond monetary value.
Irita also stresses the importance of patience and research in the antiques world. She believes that a successful dealer or collector must be meticulous, observant, and willing to invest time into understanding the context of each item. This approach has earned her respect not only from clients but also from peers within the antiques and auction industry.
Character Traits Behind Her Success
Several personal traits have contributed to Irita Marriott’s remarkable career trajectory:
Resilience: Moving abroad at a young age and building a career from scratch required immense perseverance. She embraced challenges as opportunities for growth.
Curiosity: A lifelong fascination with history, craftsmanship, and storytelling fuels her antiques expertise.
Adaptability: From Latvia to the United States and then the UK, Irita has thrived in diverse environments and industries.
Self-Education: Instead of relying solely on formal education, she learned the trade through hands-on experience, observation, and continuous practice.
Communication: Her ability to explain antique concepts in an engaging way makes her a trusted and influential figure in the field.
These traits combine to make her not only a successful antiques dealer but also an inspiring figure for anyone looking to turn passion into profession.
Industry Impact of Irita Marriott
Breaking Stereotypes
Irita has challenged long-standing industry norms by establishing herself as a female leader in a traditionally male-dominated field. Her success demonstrates that expertise, dedication, and professionalism are more important than gender or background, inspiring others to pursue careers in antiques regardless of societal expectations.
Educational Influence
Through her television appearances and auction house work, she has made antiques accessible and engaging. By explaining valuation methods, historical context, and the stories behind items, she encourages new collectors and viewers to develop an interest in antiques, effectively educating a broader audience.
Community Engagement
Irita uses her platform to support local communities. Her auction house often works with families to uncover the value of inherited items, while her television series highlights interesting stories behind everyday objects. This approach not only preserves history but also strengthens her connection with clients and the general public.
Lifestyle, Family, and Personal Life
Irita Marriott balances a high-profile professional life with her role as a mother and spouse. She is married and has two sons. While she maintains privacy about her personal life, she frequently shares insights into her work-life balance and the joys of combining family with a career driven by passion.
Her journey illustrates that success need not come at the expense of personal priorities. Instead, passion and family life can coexist and enrich one another. Irita’s story serves as an example that dedication to one’s career and love for family can go hand in hand.
Net Worth and Achievements (2025)
As of 2025, Irita Marriott’s net worth is estimated to be between £1 million and £1.5 million. This reflects her earnings from television appearances, auction house revenues, antique dealing, and other business ventures. Her financial success is a testament to her hard work, business acumen, and growing reputation in the antiques industry.
Key Achievements
Successfully launched Irita Marriott Antiques, establishing herself as a respected dealer in the UK and internationally.
Gained widespread recognition through appearances on BBC’s Antiques Road Trip, Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, Bargain Hunt, and Channel 4’s The Greatest Auction.
Starred in her own television series, The Derbyshire Auction House, providing insight into the operations of a modern auction house.
Founded Irita Marriott Auctioneers and Valuers, one of the few female-led auction houses in the UK, combining traditional expertise with digital accessibility.
Recognized for her ability to educate and inspire collectors, making antiques accessible and exciting to a broad audience.
FAQs
How did Irita Marriott start her antiques career?
She began by sourcing antiques at local markets and fairs while working in a garden centre. Later, she gained professional experience as a cataloguer and valuer at a Derbyshire auction house, which provided the foundation for her expertise.
What TV shows has she appeared on?
Irita has appeared on BBC’s Antiques Road Trip, Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, Bargain Hunt, Channel 4’s The Greatest Auction, and hosts her own show, The Derbyshire Auction House.
What makes her auction house unique?
Her auction house combines traditional valuation practices with modern accessibility, offering both in-person and online bidding experiences. This approach makes antiques more approachable for collectors of all levels.
Where is Irita Marriott originally from?
Irita was born and raised in rural Latvia, later relocating first to the United States and then to the United Kingdom.
Why is she considered an influential figure in antiques?
Her expertise, communication skills, entrepreneurial success, and role as a female leader in a male-dominated industry have broadened public interest in antiques and inspired new collectors and dealers alike.
Final Thoughts
Irita Marriott’s journey from a small Latvian farm to becoming a celebrated antiques expert and television personality is a story of resilience, dedication, and vision. She turned her passion into a successful career, proving that curiosity, hard work, and authenticity can overcome traditional barriers and societal expectations.
Through her antiques business, auction house, and television appearances, she has not only built a thriving professional life but also inspired countless others to explore the world of antiques. Her approach emphasizes that antiques are not just objects—they are stories, histories, and connections to the past. By making these stories accessible and engaging, Irita has redefined what it means to be an antiques expert in the modern era.
She remains a defining figure in the contemporary antiques world, showing that expertise combined with passion can leave a lasting impact on both the industry and the audiences who follow it.
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