Irita Marriott: From Latvian Farm Life to British Antiques Fame and Auction House Success

In the world of British antiques, Irita Marriott is a name that has blossomed quietly but powerfully. Born in Latvia and now a successful antiques dealer and TV personality in the UK, Irita’s journey defies the odds and inspires countless others. Known for her charm, expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit, she has carved a distinct space for herself in an industry traditionally dominated by older men. With a new TV show, her own auction house, and a reputation built on grit and integrity, her story is as remarkable as the artifacts she curates.

Humble Beginnings in Rural Latvia

Irita Marriott was born in March 1984 and spent her early childhood on a self-sufficient farm in rural Latvia. Her upbringing was modest, defined by living off the land, foraging, and fishing to survive. After her parents divorced, things grew even harder—her family lived in poverty, often scavenging leftovers from public barbecue pits to make ends meet. Far from bleak, these formative years gave Irita a foundation of resilience, work ethic, and a deep appreciation for value—traits that would later shape her future in unexpected ways.

A Leap of Faith to the West

As a teenager, Irita saw an ad for au pair positions in the U.S. and, determined to build a better life, flew to New York with barely any English. Armed with two dictionaries, she learned the language side-by-side with the children she cared for. After nearly two years, she returned to Latvia briefly, only to be denied reentry to the U.S. It was a twist of fate that set her sights on the UK. She arrived in London around 2004, connected with Latvian acquaintances, and eventually settled in Bradford. With no clear plan, she took a job at a garden center, where she worked for eight years and began building a life from scratch.

The Accidental Introduction to Antiques

Irita’s plunge into the antiques world was almost accidental. One day, her mother-in-law dropped off a carload of miscellaneous antiques from an auction and told her she owed £1,800. Unemployed at the time, Irita had no choice but to sell the items to repay the debt. Through extensive research, flea market visits, and hands-on hustle, she managed to turn a profit—and unexpectedly discovered a passion. Her ability to recognize value, even without formal training, quickly became evident.

Learning by Doing: No Art Degree, Just Grit

Unlike many in her field, Irita didn’t study art history or attend prestigious design schools. Instead, she gained her expertise the old-fashioned way—on the job. She secured a part-time cataloguer position at a Derbyshire auction house and spent her days handling items, writing descriptions, and observing buyers’ behavior. Her sharp instincts and hunger for knowledge made her stand out. In a few short years, she progressed from novice to recognized dealer, developing a distinct style rooted in quality, elegance, and practicality.

Launching Irita Marriott Antiques

In 2020, Irita launched her own business—Irita Marriott Antiques—focusing on decorative pieces sourced across Europe. Her curated collections gained traction quickly, appealing to both collectors and interior designers. She developed a unique blend of traditional European charm and modern sensibility, offering antiques that were not only beautiful but functional in contemporary homes. Her Instagram presence and word-of-mouth marketing helped build a loyal following, further reinforcing her credibility in the antiques world.

From Dealer to Television Personality

In 2021, Irita made her debut on BBC’s Antiques Road Trip. Unlike many experts who are handpicked, Irita chased the opportunity—she called the executive producer herself and pitched her potential. After six months of auditions and screen tests, she was chosen. Viewers instantly connected with her—her warmth, honesty, and authentic love for antiques made her stand out. She later appeared in Celebrity Antiques Road Trip and Bargain Hunt, becoming a fan favorite across multiple shows.

Breaking Ground with Her Own Auction House

In 2023, Irita took another bold leap by opening her own auction house in Melbourne, Derbyshire—Irita Marriott Auctioneers and Valuers. With over 3,000 auction houses in the UK, only a handful are owned by women, making this a historic achievement. The process was documented in her new TV series, The Derbyshire Auction House, which premiered on Really/Discovery+ in July 2024. Irita learned to be an auctioneer on the job—her first live auction was filmed, with cameras and contributors watching her every move. It was a trial by fire, and she rose to the occasion.

A Glimpse Into Her Private Life

Despite her growing fame, Irita has kept her personal life largely private. She is married, though her husband remains unnamed in public, and she often refers to him as her “right hand in life.” He isn’t involved in the antiques business but has been her biggest supporter throughout her journey. Their strong partnership highlights Irita’s commitment to maintaining a stable, grounded family life amid the chaos of TV schedules and business pressures.

Motherhood: Her Driving Force

Irita is a proud mother of two sons, aged 6 and 8. Her children are often mentioned in interviews as her primary motivation. She strives to create a life that offers them stability, education, and inspiration. In fact, her oldest son asked for a job at the auction house even before it opened, hinting that the next generation of dealers might already be in training. Irita’s dedication to motherhood is evident in her daily balance between family obligations and professional responsibilities.

Estimated Net Worth and Business Model

Though her exact finances are private, Irita Marriott’s net worth is estimated between £500,000 and £1,000,000. Her income stems from multiple sources: her antiques dealership, television work, auction house sales, and appearances at high-end fairs. Notably, she doesn’t flaunt her wealth. Her lifestyle is modest, and profits are often reinvested into the business. This reinvestment strategy ensures growth and keeps her collections fresh and relevant.

Facing Misogyny and Changing the Narrative

Entering the antiques trade as a young woman, Irita faced skepticism and outright misogyny. Dealers often doubted her knowledge or assumed she couldn’t afford items she handled. Yet, instead of backing down, she used those moments to fuel her determination. Today, she’s not just a dealer—she’s a role model pushing for change in a space that sorely needs diversity. She openly advocates for younger women to join the antiques trade and challenges the status quo by leading through example.

Conclusion

From foraging as a child in Latvia to becoming a leading voice in the British antiques world, Irita Marriott’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Her career is a testament to resilience, vision, and authenticity. Whether she’s auctioneering on camera, guiding clients through a sale, or tucking her kids into bed after a long day, Irita embodies modern success. Her legacy is not just in the treasures she uncovers—but in the lives she inspires. In a world where many chase fame, Irita Marriott has quietly built something lasting—and she’s just getting started.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How did Irita Marriott become famous?
She rose to fame after appearing on Antiques Road Trip in 2021, later starring in several BBC shows. She initially called the producer herself and earned her place through auditions and hard work.

2. What is Irita Marriott’s business?
She runs Irita Marriott Antiques, a dealership for decorative European antiques, and now owns The Derbyshire Auction House, making her one of the few women in the UK to do so.

3. Where is Irita Marriott originally from?
She was born in Latvia and spent her early years on a self-sufficient farm before moving to the U.S. and eventually settling in the UK around 2004.

4. How does Irita balance her family and work life?
Irita manages her career while raising two sons. She credits her husband for being supportive and structures her work around maintaining a stable family life.

5. What message does Irita Marriott share with aspiring entrepreneurs?
Her story proves it’s never too late to start. Without formal education in her field, she succeeded through determination, curiosity, and action. She encourages others to believe in themselves and take initiative.