Among the most inspiring modern success stories in British television antiques is the remarkable rise of Irita Marriott, a self-taught expert who went from having zero knowledge of antiques to becoming a beloved face on shows like Antiques Road Trip and Bargain Hunt. Her journey is more than a career timeline—it is a powerful reminder that passion combined with relentless determination can open doors no one expected. Today, viewers tune in not only for her expertise, but for her warm energy, infectious curiosity, and the authenticity she brings to a trade that can sometimes feel formal or untouchable.

From a Rural Latvian Childhood to Global Screens

The story of Irita Marriott begins in Latvia, where she spent her earliest years on a self-sufficient farm. Life there was far from easy. Her family relied on foraging, fishing, and growing their own food. Yet, even in these challenging circumstances, she absorbed lessons about resilience, resourcefulness, and improvisation—traits that would later prove essential in the unpredictable antiques market. After her parents’ divorce, the family faced even harsher financial struggles, often scavenging leftover food along riverbanks. Despite this, she would later describe her childhood not with bitterness but with gratitude for the strength it forged in her.

A Determined Leap to America at Just Seventeen

A turning point came when a teacher dismissed her potential, claiming that without English she would “never succeed.” Instead of accepting that fate, Irita Marriott took an audacious leap and applied to be an au pair in the United States. She arrived in New York speaking almost no English and spent the first three months carrying two dictionaries everywhere she went. It was a frightening, overwhelming experience—but it taught her how quickly she could adapt, learn, and survive in unfamiliar environments. Those skills would become crucial when she later entered the antiques world with no formal training.

Starting Fresh in the United Kingdom

After nearly two years in the U.S., life unexpectedly rerouted her to the United Kingdom, where she arrived at age twenty without a plan or a clear career path. Her first job was a temporary Christmas position in a garden centre. Within months, she had worked her way into a management role, becoming a buyer and overseeing multiple departments. What seemed like a small retail job quietly became the foundation for her future career—teaching her how to identify quality, manage stock, negotiate with suppliers, and understand what customers value.

The Twist of Fate That Introduced Her to Antiques

It is almost poetic how Irita Marriott stumbled into antiques. After losing her management job, her mother-in-law unexpectedly brought her a carload of auction job lots—and informed her that she owed £1,800 for them. Unemployed and with no antiques knowledge, Irita had no choice but to learn. She spent two weeks researching every item, visiting fairs, and selling what she could just to repay the debt. In that short time, something clicked. The world of antiques wasn’t merely interesting—it was irresistible. She was hooked, and her new passion quickly transformed into a career.

Learning the Trade From the Ground Up

Rather than assume she knew enough, Irita Marriott sought formal on-the-job experience and secured a part-time role at a Derbyshire auction house. There, she handled thousands of objects, learning through daily exposure what years of classes could not teach. She spent seven years cataloguing, valuing, and studying antiques in a professional environment while also building her own small dealing business on the side. Her days began at three in the morning as she traveled across the UK and Europe to source, sell, and meet clients—all while raising two young children.

Breaking Into Television Through Sheer Determination

Her appearance at antique fairs eventually caught the attention of BBC’s Bargain Hunt crews, sparking her interest in television. But Irita Marriott didn’t sit around hoping for an invitation. She tracked down the phone number of the executive producer of Antiques Road Trip and boldly called him to ask for a chance. After six months of auditions and screen tests, she earned her place on the program—a moment she still describes as surreal. Her warm personality, natural on-camera presence, and deepening expertise quickly made her a fan favourite.

A Star on Multiple Antique Shows

Today, Irita Marriott is recognized across the UK for her work on Antiques Road Trip, Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, and Bargain Hunt. Viewers admire her enthusiasm and her ability to explain the significance of an object in a way that feels relatable and exciting. She stands out not because of academic credentials, but because she communicates passion, humility, and joy—qualities that make antiques more accessible to everyday audiences and inspire new generations to appreciate history in tangible form.

Launching Her Own Auction House

One of the boldest steps in her career came in 2023 when Irita opened Irita Marriott Auctioneers & Valuers in Melbourne, Derbyshire. The decision wasn’t just business-driven—it was a desire to build something lasting for her children and to create a space that represented her values. In an industry heavily dominated by older male dealers, becoming one of the few women in the UK to own an auction house was a ground-breaking achievement. Her new series, The Derbyshire Auction House, follows her as she builds the business from the ground up, showcasing both the excitement and the overwhelming responsibility of running such an enterprise.

Balancing Career Ambition With Family Life

While television presents one part of her life, behind the scenes Irita Marriott is a devoted wife and mother. Her husband, who stays mostly out of the public eye, has been a quiet but essential supporter. She often describes him as the person who believes in her even when she doubts herself. Their two young sons have grown up watching their mother work in antique fairs, auction rooms, and studios, and they are already showing an interest in following her footsteps. For Irita Marriott, integrating family into her world isn’t a challenge—it’s a joy.

Championing Women in a Traditionally Male Trade

When she entered the antiques world, Irita Marriott was often the youngest person at every fair—and usually one of the few women. She recalls being dismissed or underestimated because of her age and gender, with dealers assuming she couldn’t afford expensive items or didn’t know enough to handle fragile pieces. Instead of letting those attitudes discourage her, she used them as motivation. Today, she openly addresses misogyny in the industry and hopes her visibility encourages more young women to join the trade.

A Fresh, Modern Approach to Antiques Dealing

What makes Irita Marriott especially influential is her modern take on a traditional field. She uses social media, online valuations, and digital auctions to reach global buyers. Her business isn’t confined to one region; she has clients across Europe and beyond. By blending old-world craftsmanship with contemporary digital tools, she is helping reshape the future of the antiques industry—making it more approachable, youthful, and diverse.

The Continuing Rise of a Television Favourite

Even with multiple television commitments, Irita Marriott main focus remains her auction house. She juggles filming schedules with daily business operations, often with little sleep and enormous pressure. Still, she insists she did not start her business to fail, and her determination has already made the auction house a growing success. Her new show has drawn national attention, and her future seasons of Antiques Road Trip and Bargain Hunt promise to further solidify her place as one of the UK’s most admired antiques personalities.

Why Audiences Connect With Her Story

The appeal of Irita Marriott goes far beyond her knowledge of collectibles. People see a woman who built a career from nothing, taught herself an entirely new trade, overcame cultural and gender barriers, and carved a place in an industry that wasn’t designed to welcome her. Her journey resonates because it proves that expertise can be learned, dreams can be rebuilt, and success doesn’t require privilege—only relentless commitment.

Final Thoughts

The rise of Irita Marriott from a Latvian farm to the forefront of British antiques television is nothing short of remarkable. She embodies the truth that passion can be discovered unexpectedly and that determination can reshape even the most traditional industries. Whether evaluating a centuries-old spoon, guiding families through emotional estate clearances, or running her own auction house, she brings heart, intelligence, and authenticity to everything she touches. Her influence continues to grow, and her story will no doubt inspire countless others to explore the world of antiques with curiosity and courage.

FAQs

1. How did Irita Marriott first become involved in antiques?

She entered the antiques world by accident after her mother-in-law brought her a carload of auction items and told her she owed money for them. Determined to repay the debt, she researched the items, sold them at fairs, and quickly discovered a passion that would change her life.

2. What makes her approach to antiques unique compared to other TV experts?

Irita Marriott is entirely self-taught and openly discusses her unconventional journey. Her enthusiastic, relatable style makes antiques feel accessible, proving that expertise doesn’t require academic credentials—just curiosity and dedication.

3. Why did she decide to open her own auction house?

She wanted to build something lasting beyond her personal brand and create a business her children could inherit. Opening an auction house allowed her to shape a modern, welcoming environment in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

4. What challenges has she faced as a woman in the antiques trade?

She has spoken about gender bias, including dismissive comments from dealers who assumed she couldn’t afford items or didn’t understand their value. These experiences strengthened her resolve to push boundaries and encourage other women to join the field.

5. How does she balance television work with running her business?

Balancing filming schedules, international travel, and auction operations requires intense discipline. Irita Marriott often works long days and late nights, but her passion for the trade and her supportive family allow her to manage both worlds successfully.

6. What is her new TV series about?

The Derbyshire Auction House follows her journey launching and running her own auction house. It features emotional stories from clients, behind-the-scenes challenges, and exciting discoveries that highlight the unpredictable nature of antiques.

7. What inspires viewers the most about her story?

People admire her resilience, authenticity, and willingness to start from scratch. Her journey shows that anyone can reinvent their life, regardless of background, and that unexpected opportunities can lead to extraordinary careers.