Introduction
Irita Marriott is a name that resonates in the world of antiques and auctioneering, thanks to her expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and television presence. A Latvian-born professional, she has made a remarkable name for herself in the United Kingdom, where she combines traditional antiques valuation with modern business practices and media outreach. Her role as an expert on BBC’s Antiques Road Trip and Bargain Hunt has made her a household name for viewers who enjoy the thrill of discovering hidden treasures and learning about the stories behind them.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in March 1984, Irita Marriott grew up in Latvia, a country known for its rich history and deep appreciation for art, antiques, and craftsmanship. Raised in a rural area, Irita developed an early love for antiques and the stories they tell. Her childhood in Latvia provided the foundation for her future career in the antiques world, where she would combine her passion for history with her natural eye for valuable objects.
In her early twenties, Irita made the bold decision to leave Latvia and move to the United Kingdom, where opportunities in the antiques business were more accessible. She began working at auction houses in Derbyshire, where she started as an assistant. Over time, her skills in valuing antiques and cataloging collections grew, allowing her to carve out a reputation for her sharp eye and exceptional knowledge of European decorative antiques.
The Birth of an Auctioneer and Entrepreneur
Irita’s career quickly progressed, and soon, she was not just an assistant but an active dealer and auctioneer in her own right. Recognizing the potential for growth in the antiques market, Irita took the bold step of opening her own auction house, Irita Marriott Auctioneers & Valuers Ltd, based in Melbourne, Derbyshire.
The auction house quickly gained attention due to its personalized approach to selling antiques. Irita emphasized transparency, expertise, and integrity in her dealings, which set her apart from many other auctioneers. Her team was dedicated to offering clients not just an opportunity to buy and sell valuable items but also an educational experience about the history and provenance of the pieces.
Her auction house became known for its diverse offerings, including European porcelain, furniture, artworks, and vintage collectibles, providing a platform for both collectors and casual buyers to find something truly unique.
Irita Marriott Television Career: Bringing Antiques to the Masses
While Irita Marriott was steadily building her business in the antiques world, her breakthrough came when she was invited to appear on BBC’s Antiques Road Trip, a beloved television series that features experts traveling around the UK in search of valuable antiques. The show has a reputation for making antiques engaging for all kinds of audiences, and Irita quickly became a fan favorite thanks to her warmth, professionalism, and deep knowledge.
Appearing alongside other well-known antiques experts, Irita demonstrated not only her ability to identify valuable items but also her skill at teaching viewers about the history and significance of those items. Her on-screen presence, combined with her genuine enthusiasm, made her an instant hit with fans of the show.
Beyond Antiques Road Trip, Irita also appeared on BBC’s Bargain Hunt, where she continued her role as an expert in the auction world. The show pits teams of amateur collectors against one another in a race to find valuable items at bargain prices. Irita’s expertise helped guide these teams to success, as she offered them valuable insights into what to buy and how to sell it.
Her television career not only expanded her reach to a wider audience but also showcased her ability to connect with the public. Whether sharing behind-the-scenes insights into auctions or explaining the finer details of antiques, Irita’s appearances made the world of antiques more accessible and appealing to a broader demographic.
Irita Marriott Auction House: A New Era for Antiques
While her TV career flourished, Irita remained deeply committed to her core business: auctioneering. Irita Marriott Auctioneers & Valuers Ltd continued to grow under her leadership, attracting clients from across the globe. The auction house became known for its boutique approach, offering curated sales that were as much about the story of the items as they were about their financial value.
Irita’s ability to blend traditional auction practices with modern technology was a major factor in the auction house’s success. She introduced online bidding for clients unable to attend live auctions, and her use of social media and digital platforms helped her auction house reach an international audience. As a result, Irita Marriott Auctioneers & Valuers Ltd became one of the go-to places for antiques lovers and collectors seeking rare and valuable items.
Her reputation as both a dealer and auctioneer in the antiques world is based on her meticulous attention to detail, honest pricing, and customer-centric approach. Irita is often praised for her ability to unearth hidden gems and her commitment to offering fair appraisals to clients, whether they are new to the world of antiques or seasoned collectors.
Personal Life: Keeping Things Private
Despite her growing fame, Irita has always maintained a private personal life. She is married to a husband, though he remains largely out of the spotlight. Irita has two sons, and while she occasionally shares snippets of her family life with her followers on social media, she is careful not to share too much. She values her privacy and prefers to keep her personal matters separate from her public career.
Irita’s ability to balance a demanding career, family life, and public appearances is a testament to her strength and determination. She often speaks about how important it is to set boundaries and maintain a healthy work-life balance, especially as a business owner and mother.
What’s Next for Irita Marriott?
As of 2025, Irita Marriott remains an active presence in the antiques world, both as a dealer and a television personality. Her auction house continues to thrive, and her TV appearances remain a popular draw for audiences. Whether it’s through her educational content on antiques history or her expert advice in auction settings, Irita’s influence on the industry is undeniable.
Looking to the future, Irita Marriott is expected to continue pushing the boundaries of what it means to be an auctioneer and TV personality. Her ability to educate and entertain, along with her commitment to offering authentic experiences for both buyers and sellers, will ensure that her career in antiques and auctioneering remains at the top for years to come.
Conclusion
Irita Marriott’s journey from a young Latvian immigrant to a successful businesswoman, television expert, and respected auctioneer is nothing short of inspiring. Through her auction house, television career, and dedication to the antiques world, she has become a beloved figure in both the professional antiques community and among television audiences. Irita has redefined the role of an auctioneer in the modern age, blending tradition with innovation, and in doing so, has earned the admiration of many.
With her vast experience, genuine passion, and entrepreneurial spirit, Irita Marriott will continue to be a trailblazer in the antiques industry and an inspiration to anyone who seeks to combine business acumen with passion for history and craftsmanship.