Irita Marriott has become a familiar face to UK antiques fans through her work on BBC’s Antiques Road Trip and Bargain Hunt. Born in Latvia in 1984, she spent her early years on a rural, self-sufficient farm before emigrating. She later landed in the UK, where a mix of curiosity and grit led her into the antiques world.
She began by working part-time at an auction house in Derbyshire, learning cataloguing and valuation. Over several years, she dealt antiques as a side business, often from fairs or car boot sales. Eventually she founded Irita Marriott Antiques and, more recently, Irita Marriott Auctioneers & Valuers in Derbyshire. Her auction house is among the few female-led in the UK.
She’s best known for her specialty in decorative antiques and porcelain, often travelling across Europe to source unique items. On television, she competes on Antiques Road Trip to turn small budgets into profits, and she also hosts her own show, The Derbyshire Auction House.
What Makes Irita Marriott Stand Out in the Antiques World
Irita Marriott’s rise wasn’t overnight. She combined hands-on learning, sheer persistence, and an eye for hidden value to build her reputation. After years cataloguing and valuing, she amassed enough confidence to launch her own business and expand into TV.
Her background gives her a unique perspective. Growing up where resources were scarce taught her resourcefulness; living between cultures helped her appreciate both Eastern and Western antiques traditions. She often explains that every object has a story, and she strives to draw that narrative out for buyers.
She’s also a rare figure in her industry: a woman leading her own auction house and appearing regularly on TV. That challenges long-standing gender norms in auctioneering. Her voice encourages others—especially women—to see that fields like antiques are open to fresh entrants.
What You Can Learn from Irita Marriott’s Approach
If you’re interested in antiques, media, or turning a passion into profession, Irita’s journey offers several lessons:
- Start small, learn big: Her early days at auction houses and fairs built the foundation she needed.
- Be curious about origin and context: She doesn’t just sell objects; she researches provenance and cultural relevance.
- Diversify your presence: She balances her auction business with TV roles, public speaking, and online visibility.
- Protect your personal life: While she’s visible on camera, she keeps her family’s privacy. Her husband is kept out of the spotlight.
- Stay true to your values: She often says she wants to make antiques accessible and to teach others how to spot real value—not just hype.
Irita Marriott on Television: Highlights & Impact
On Antiques Road Trip, one memorable moment saw her investing heavily in porcelain, often betting on pieces others may overlook. Such picks reflect her specialty and confidence in the decorative arts.
Her show The Derbyshire Auction House takes it further: she visits homes, helps owners find hidden treasures, and manages sales through her own auction house. That format reveals both her business acumen and her desire to make the antiques world less intimidating.
In several episodes, ordinary homes produced startling results—pieces initially dismissed later sold for thousands. Such moments help viewers see that antiques aren’t only found in grand estates—they might be in attics or basements.
Her on-camera presence is also a draw. She balances expertise with warmth, and she’s adept at explaining obscure terms in an approachable way.
Behind the Scenes: Business & Personal Life
When not filming or sourcing pieces, Irita focuses on her auction house based in Melbourne, Derbyshire, offering live auctions and cataloguing services. She proudly positions it as female-led, which is still uncommon in the UK auction world.
She and her husband have two sons. Though she seldom shares their names, she has revealed that her children sometimes join her at fairs. She traits her upbringing—moving across countries, language barriers, financial pressure—as formative, not hindering.
Her journey includes early struggles: as a child she lived with limited resources, her English teacher told her she’d amount to nothing, and she emigrated first to the US, then to the UK with little support. Those experiences shaped her resilience and refusal to stay in anyone’s box.
How to Engage with Irita Marriott’s Work
If you’re an antiques enthusiast or just curious, here are ways to connect:
- Watch her TV appearances: Antiques Road Trip episodes often feature her balancing risk, expertise, and storytelling.
- Follow her on social media: She shares images from fairs and her trips. (@iritamarriott)
- Browse her auction house website: You can see upcoming auctions, catalogues, and how to consign.
- Hire her as a speaker: She offers talks about antiques, entrepreneurship, and her personal journey.
- Attend shows and fairs: She still buys at fairs across Europe, so catching her in person is possible if you follow antiques event listings.
The Legacy and Future of Irita Marriott
Irita Marriott is more than a TV expert and dealer—she’s forging a bridge between serious collectors and everyday owners. She helps people see that antiques aren’t only for elites.
As her brand grows, she may expand lecturing, online courses, or writing. Her model suggests that knowledge, narrative, and authenticity matter as much as rare objects.
If you ever wonder whether an old item in your home matters, ask: would Irita stop and research this? How would she investigate provenance or maker’s marks? That approach itself is a gift she’s giving viewers and collectors alike.
Final Thoughts
Irita Marriott’s life shows what can happen when passion meets perseverance. From a small Latvian village to national TV, she’s proven that expertise and kindness can coexist. Her story isn’t just about antiques—it’s about curiosity, courage, and creating your own path one discovery at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Irita Marriott’s nationality?
Irita Marriott is Latvian-born but has lived in the United Kingdom for many years. She moved from Latvia to the UK, where she built her antiques career and became a well-known television expert.
Who is Irita Marriott?
Irita Marriott is a British antiques dealer, valuer, and television personality known for her appearances on BBC’s Antiques Road Trip, Bargain Hunt, and The Derbyshire Auction House. She’s also the founder of Irita Marriott Auctioneers & Valuers in Derbyshire.
How do I book at Irita Marriott Auctioneers?
To book valuations or consign items, visit the official website at iritamarriottauctioneers.co.uk. You can also contact their Derbyshire office directly through the site’s contact page for upcoming auction details or appointments.
Who owns The Derbyshire Auction House?
The Derbyshire Auction House is owned and managed by Irita Marriott. She founded the business to provide approachable, professional auction services with a focus on decorative antiques and collectibles.
