Irita Marriott has become a celebrated name in the antiques world, known both for her expertise and her groundbreaking role as one of the few women to own an auction house in the UK. Originally from Latvia, she moved to the UK in her early twenties, where an unexpected introduction to antiques sparked a passion that would shape her career and life. Today, Irita Marriott is recognized not only as a skilled antiques dealer and valuer but also as a popular TV personality on shows like Antiques Road Trip and Bargain Hunt. Her journey from a retail worker to a confident auctioneer and television star showcases resilience, determination, and a keen eye for valuable treasures. This article explores her biography, career, personal life, and influence, providing a rich insight into her remarkable path.
Quick Bio
- Full Name: Irita Marriott
- Birthplace: Latvia
- Age: 40 (as of 2024)
- Nationality: Latvian-British
- Occupation: Antiques expert, auctioneer, TV presenter, business owner
- TV Shows: Antiques Road Trip, Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, Bargain Hunt, The Greatest Auction
- Auction House: Founder of Irita Marriott Auctioneers and Valuers
- Residence: Derbyshire, England
- Family: Married with two sons
- Social Media: Active presence on platforms showcasing antiques
- Education: Background in retail management, specializing in antiques
- Languages: Latvian, English
- Known For: Breaking gender barriers in the UK antiques auction industry
- Notable Achievement: Launching one of the few female-owned auction houses in the UK
- Passion: Traveling Europe to source antiques
Early Life and Family Background
Irita Marriott was born in Latvia and spent her early childhood on a farm until the age of six. Life was humble, and food was limited to what could be gathered from the environment and farm. This rural upbringing instilled in her a grounded sense of value and resourcefulness. In her late teens, she moved to the United States to work as an au pair, seeking a broader life experience beyond her modest origins. At age 20, she relocated to the UK, facing the challenges of starting over in a new country with no clear career path. Family influences helped introduce her to antiques, but initially, she had little understanding of what they were or their value. Over time, with curiosity and persistence, she found her place in the antiques world and began to build a thriving career.
Who is Irita Marriott?
Irita Marriott is an expert antiques dealer, auctioneer, and television personality in the UK. She is best known for her role on BBC’s Antiques Road Trip and Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, where her sharp eye for valuable antiques has won acclaim. Beyond her TV success, Irita is a pioneering female entrepreneur who founded her own auction house called Irita Marriott Auctioneers and Valuers. She is celebrated for breaking into an industry traditionally dominated by men and bringing a fresh, energetic voice to antiques auctioneering. Besides TV and business, she is known for her personal warmth, parenting life, and passion for traveling across Europe in search of rare finds.
How Old is Irita Marriott?
Irita Marriott was born around 1984, making her approximately 40 years old in 2024. Despite her relatively young age, she has accumulated over a decade of experience in antiques dealing and auctioneering. Her maturity and professionalism belie her years, built from hands-on work and media exposure. At 40, she balances being a business owner, television personality, and mother of two, proving that age is no barrier to ambition or success in any field.
Career Journey in Antiques
Irita’s career in antiques began unexpectedly after a family member gave her some items from an auction to sort and sell. At the time, she had no idea about antiques, but after turning a profit, she grew curious and started learning the trade. She started watching shows like Antiques Road Trip as a fan, dreaming of one day being on TV herself. Over several years, she gained practical experience working as a cataloguer and valuer at a Derbyshire auction house. Her deepening knowledge and passion for antiques helped her transition into full-time dealing, sourcing unique pieces across Europe. Her TV break came after boldly reaching out to the producers of Antiques Road Trip, culminating in her becoming a beloved figure on the show across multiple seasons.
Founding Irita Marriott Antiques
After more than a decade as an antiques dealer and valuer, Irita took the bold step to open her own auction house. In June 2023, she registered Irita Marriott Auctioneers and Valuers, launching it officially in Melbourne, Derbyshire. This auction house is among the few in the UK owned and managed by a woman, setting her apart in this traditional industry. The launch coincided with the vibrant arts festival in Melbourne, attracting significant public interest. Irita sees this auction house as a culmination of her years of experience, contacts, and determination to establish a trusted center for quality antiques sales. Running an auction house adds a new dimension to her career, combining her expertise with entrepreneurial spirit.
Television Career
Irita’s television career took off after she contacted the production team of Antiques Road Trip directly and asked for an opportunity. After a rigorous audition process, she earned her spot, debuting in 2021. Since then, she has been a regular on multiple antiques-related programs including Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, Bargain Hunt, and Channel 4’s The Greatest Auction. Her TV presence has helped her build a broad following, showcasing her expertise, warmth, and engaging personality. During the pandemic, she filmed multiple seasons, and her televised auctions now give viewers an inside look at her own auction house’s operations. Television has not only expanded her reach but has also played a key role in changing perceptions about women’s roles in antiques.
Irita Marriott’s Personal Life
Irita Marriott is married and the mother of two sons. She lives with her family in Derbyshire, England, where she balances her busy career with family life. Despite her public profile, she values privacy and focuses on creating a nurturing, supportive environment at home. Irita often speaks about the challenges and rewards of juggling motherhood alongside running an auction house and appearing on TV. Her personal story is also one of determination and self-empowerment, showing how she overcame early struggles and cultural shifts after moving abroad. She credits her family for being an essential support system throughout her journey.
Educational Background
Irita Marriott’s formal education background is not widely detailed, but her career development reflects a strong practical education in antiques and retail management. Early on, she worked as a retail manager at a garden centre, gaining valuable business skills. Her antiques knowledge grew primarily through hands-on experience, working as a valuer and cataloguer at a leading auction house in Derbyshire. She has continuously honed her expertise through self-driven learning, industry events, and traveling Europe to source antiques. Irita’s career path emphasizes experiential learning combined with professional development rather than formal antiques degrees.
Tim Medhurst Rumors
There have been occasional rumors associated with Tim Medhurst, another antiques expert, but no credible connection or controversy involving Irita Marriott in this regard. Irita maintains a professional reputation focused on her business and media work, steering clear of gossip. The rumors about Tim Medhurst do not seem to have intersected with Irita’s career or personal life publicly. She remains respected in the antiques community for her expertise and integrity [no credible web info].
Business Identity
Irita Marriott’s business identity is that of a knowledgeable, approachable, and pioneering antiques auctioneer who champions both quality and innovation. Through Irita Marriott Auctioneers and Valuers, she establishes herself as a female leader in a male-dominated sector. Her business focuses on providing expert valuation, transparent auctioning processes, and fostering community interest in antiques. Irita’s personal brand blends her television fame with her practical skills, positioning her auction house as trusted and customer-friendly. She leverages her media presence to promote her business and the antiques industry more broadly.
Legacy and Influence
Though still early in her career relative to some veterans, Irita Marriott’s legacy is growing as a role model for women in antiques and auctioneering. By founding one of the few female-owned auction houses in the UK and becoming a respected TV personality, she challenges industry norms. Her influence extends to encouraging more women to enter and succeed in antiques and auctions. Irita also inspires many through her social media presence and public appearances, sharing knowledge and passion for antiques. Her story highlights perseverance, the power of self-belief, and the importance of diversity in traditional industries.
Irita Marriott on Social Media
Irita Marriott maintains an active social media presence where she connects with antiques enthusiasts and shares insights, auction highlights, and behind-the-scenes content. Platforms like Instagram and Twitter showcase her discoveries, upcoming events, and personal touches from running an auction house. Her posts mix professional updates with approachable, conversational tone, engaging a broad audience. Social media has amplified her reach, helping both her auction business and TV career while building a community interested in antiques and auctions. She uses these platforms effectively to promote inclusivity and education within the antiques world.
Expert Insight
Experts in antiques and auctioneering admire Irita Marriott’s ability to combine traditional skills with modern media savvy. Her practical knowledge, sharpened by years in valuation and dealing, is complemented by her entrepreneurial vision. Industry colleagues note her professionalism, dedication, and the fresh perspective she brings as a woman leading an auction house. Irita’s career exemplifies how passion, persistence, and strategic use of media can open opportunities in niche markets. Her success story also highlights the need for greater female representation and innovation within antiques, making her a trailblazer and influencer.
Conclusion
Irita Marriott offers a compelling example of how ambition, continuous learning, and courage to challenge norms can transform a life. From her rural Latvian beginnings to becoming a respected UK antiques expert, TV personality, and auction house owner, she has carved a unique path. Her story is inspiring not just for antiques enthusiasts but for anyone looking to break barriers in their field. With her auction house thriving and a growing media presence, Irita Marriott continues to shape the antiques world while inspiring others to follow their passions with confidence.
FAQs About Irita Marriott
Q1: Where is Irita Marriott originally from?
A: She is originally from Latvia.
Q2: What TV shows has Irita Marriott appeared on?
A: She has appeared on Antiques Road Trip, Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, Bargain Hunt, and The Greatest Auction.
Q3: When did Irita Marriott open her auction house?
A: She opened Irita Marriott Auctioneers and Valuers in June 2023.
Q4: How did Irita Marriott start her antiques career?
A: She started by selling job lots of antiques given to her by a family member and then gained experience working as a valuer and cataloguer.
Q5: Is Irita Marriott active on social media?
A: Yes, she uses social media to share auctions, antiques tips, and connect with fans and collectors.
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