Irita Marriott: From Latvian Roots to British Antiques Authority

Irita Marriott is a rising name in the UK antiques scene, admired for her expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and engaging presence on television. Known for her appearances on shows like Antiques Road Trip, Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, and Bargain Hunt, she has become a trusted voice in valuing antiques and educating viewers about the stories behind them. Beyond television, Irita has established herself as a successful businesswoman with her own auction house, demonstrating that passion, dedication, and authenticity can create a remarkable career.

Early Life and the Journey from Latvia

Irita Marriott was born in March 1984 in Latvia. She grew up in a rural setting where resourcefulness, hard work, and community values were central to daily life. Her upbringing on a farm instilled in her practical skills and a strong appreciation for craftsmanship — qualities that would later shape her career in antiques.

In her early twenties, Irita made a bold decision to move to the United Kingdom in search of better opportunities. Adapting to a new culture and language was challenging, but she took on various jobs, from retail to other ventures, honing her eye for quality, detail, and business acumen. These early experiences helped her build resilience and confidence while navigating an unfamiliar environment.

The challenges she faced in her early years in the UK became a foundation for her professional growth. Learning quickly, building connections, and staying focused on her goals allowed her to transition from a newcomer in a foreign country to a recognized figure in the antiques industry.

Discovering Antiques and Building Expertise

Irita’s interest in antiques began as a personal hobby but quickly developed into a professional passion. She immersed herself in auctions, fairs, and valuations, learning to identify quality, historical significance, and market value.

Her first significant step in the professional antiques world was working as a cataloguer and valuer at a Derbyshire auction house. This hands-on experience allowed her to evaluate pieces, understand provenance, and gain insight into auction operations. She learned to combine practical knowledge with instinct, a skill essential for success in the antiques trade.

Through dedication and practice, Irita built a reputation for expertise without relying on formal qualifications. Her career highlights the importance of hands-on learning and continuous development, showing that passion and experience can be just as valuable as formal education in specialized fields.

Breakthrough in Television

Irita Marriott’s television career began in 2021 when she joined the BBC series Antiques Road Trip as an expert. Her approachable personality and ability to explain the value and history of items quickly gained her recognition among viewers.

She later appeared on Celebrity Antiques Road Trip and Bargain Hunt, further establishing her reputation as both knowledgeable and relatable. Her presence on these programs blends professional insight with storytelling, helping audiences connect emotionally with antiques rather than viewing them purely as commodities.

Television expanded Irita’s reach, introducing her to a national audience and opening doors to business and professional opportunities. Her on-screen success reflects a unique combination of expertise, communication skills, and authenticity, making her both an educator and a role model in the antiques industry.

Founding Irita Marriott Auctioneers & Valuers

In 2023, Irita launched her own business, Irita Marriott Auctioneers and Valuers Ltd, based in Derbyshire. As a female-led auction house, it reflects her commitment to professionalism, inclusivity, and accessibility in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Her auction house blends traditional valuation techniques with modern technology, incorporating online bidding, social media promotion, and live streaming to make auctions more interactive and accessible. This approach demonstrates her forward-thinking strategy while maintaining respect for the history and heritage of the items she values.

The business also represents a personal milestone. Beyond professional independence, it reflects Irita’s goal of creating a sustainable venture that could support her family and continue her influence in the antiques world for years to come.

Balancing Career and Family Life

Despite her public profile, Irita prioritizes privacy in her personal life. She is married and a mother of two sons, and she emphasizes the importance of family support in managing her busy career. Her children have occasionally accompanied her to auctions and fairs, fostering shared experiences and instilling an appreciation for antiques and history.

Balancing family and career has been a conscious decision for Irita. She demonstrates that it is possible to pursue professional success while maintaining personal fulfillment and nurturing relationships. Her grounded approach resonates with many who admire her not only for her expertise but also for her values.

This balance also influences her professional style. Her empathetic approach to clients, viewers, and colleagues reflects her belief that success is measured not just by financial gain but by integrity, trust, and the quality of relationships.

Style, Philosophy, and Influence

Irita Marriott’s professional philosophy emphasizes honesty, heritage, and accessibility. She strives to ensure that clients and viewers understand the history and significance of each item she values, fostering appreciation and respect for antiques.

She also works to demystify the antiques trade, making it approachable for newcomers. By sharing her knowledge on television and through her auction house, she encourages broader participation in the industry and inspires the next generation of collectors and professionals.

Irita’s dual role as a dealer and television expert allows her to tell the stories behind objects while maintaining commercial integrity. Her approach combines passion, precision, and education, which has helped her cultivate trust and admiration in a competitive industry.

Legacy and Future Prospects

Irita Marriott’s journey from Latvia to becoming a respected antiques expert and entrepreneur exemplifies the power of determination, skill, and authenticity. Her television appearances, business achievements, and educational efforts have already made a significant impact in the antiques world.

Her auction house continues to grow, and she remains a prominent voice in the media, inspiring new audiences to appreciate the value of antiques. Looking ahead, Irita’s influence is likely to expand further, whether through business growth, mentoring, or additional television projects.

Her story serves as an inspiring example of how combining passion, expertise, and integrity can lead to success. It also demonstrates that influence is not always about fame — it can be measured by the respect, trust, and education one provides to others.