Irita Marriott is a prominent figure in the world of antiques and auctioneering, known for her expertise as an auctioneer, antiques dealer, and television personality. With a background rooted in Latvia, Irita’s journey to becoming one of the UK’s leading auctioneers and a familiar face on popular television shows like Antiques Road Trip and Bargain Hunt is both inspiring and fascinating. This comprehensive article delves into her life, career, personal background, and significant contributions to the world of antiques and auctions.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Irita Marriott was born in 1984 in Latvia. Growing up on a farm in a rural setting, Irita learned the value of hard work, discipline, and the importance of a close-knit family. Her childhood on a farm was far from the glamorous world of antiques, but it laid the foundation for her work ethic and determination. Irita later reflected on how these early years shaped her resilience and instilled in her a strong sense of independence.
At the age of 20, seeking new opportunities, Irita moved to the United Kingdom. After spending some time as an au pair in the United States, where she learned English quickly, she eventually settled in the UK. It was here that she began her journey in the world of antiques. Starting from humble beginnings, Irita worked various retail jobs before finding her calling in the world of antiques trading. She eventually began buying and selling antiques, frequently attending fairs across the UK and abroad, which helped her establish a reputation in the field.
In the UK, she also worked in the garden center industry, eventually becoming a buyer and manager, but her real passion lay in antiques. In 2012, Irita’s love for antiques became more serious as she started trading professionally, gaining insight into the art of valuing and selling collectible items.
Rise to Fame: Television Career
Irita Marriott’s breakthrough in the world of television came when she appeared on the BBC’s Antiques Road Trip. The popular show, which features antique experts traveling across the UK to appraise and sell antiques at auctions, helped launch Irita into the public eye. Her warm personality, coupled with her deep knowledge of antiques, made her an instant hit with audiences. Her ability to identify rare and valuable items quickly and her engaging on-screen presence made her a favorite among viewers.
Beyond Antiques Road Trip, Irita Marriott has appeared on several other television shows, including Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, Bargain Hunt, and The Greatest Auction on Channel 4. These appearances allowed Irita to showcase her expertise in the world of antiques while interacting with celebrities and fellow experts. Her popularity grew even further, establishing her as one of the UK’s leading antiques personalities.
In addition to her role on established shows, Irita also starred in her own series, The Derbyshire Auction House, where she offered viewers an inside look at her work running her own auction house in Derbyshire. The show highlighted not just the intricacies of antiques valuation but also the challenges and rewards of running an auction business, giving Irita a platform to share her knowledge with a wider audience.
Irita Marriott Auctioneers & Valuers Ltd
In 2023, Irita took the bold step of launching her own business, Irita Marriott Auctioneers & Valuers Ltd, based in Melbourne, Derbyshire. This venture marked a new chapter in her career, as she transitioned from being a television personality to becoming a business owner. The auction house, which specializes in decorative antiques and collectibles, offers a range of services including valuations, auction sales, and consultation.
Irita’s auction house quickly became known for its expertise in decorative antiques, with a particular focus on European antiques, vintage objects, and rare collectibles. The business’s success reflects Irita’s deep knowledge of the antiques world and her ability to connect with collectors and buyers alike. She also used her newfound platform to inspire other women to enter the auctioneering and antiques business, a field traditionally dominated by men.
The opening of her auction house represented not just a business venture but a personal milestone. It allowed Irita to combine her expertise in the field of antiques with her entrepreneurial spirit, and it cemented her place as one of the foremost authorities in the auction world.
Irita Marriott Personal Life: Family and Privacy
While Irita Marriott is a well-known television personality, she is remarkably private about her personal life. She is married and has two sons, though little is publicly known about her husband or children. Irita has made it clear that she values her family’s privacy and prefers not to share personal details about them in the public domain. She has spoken about the importance of family support in her career but has chosen to keep her family life separate from her professional persona.
Irita’s decision to keep her family life private reflects her desire to protect her loved ones from the spotlight while maintaining a successful career in the public eye. Her husband, while not directly involved in the antiques or auction business, has been a steady source of support throughout her journey.
Irita Marriott Career Milestones and Achievements
Irita Marriott’s career has been marked by several significant milestones, each reflecting her dedication to her craft and her growth as both a professional and a businesswoman. Some of the most notable achievements in her career include:
- Television Appearances: Irita’s participation in shows such as Antiques Road Trip, Bargain Hunt, and Celebrity Antiques Road Trip helped her build a loyal fan base, making her a household name in the UK. Her engaging on-screen presence and expertise in identifying valuable antiques earned her widespread acclaim.
- Founding Irita Marriott Auctioneers & Valuers Ltd: After years of working in the antiques trade, Irita founded her own auction house in 2023. This move not only marked her entrepreneurial leap but also established her as a leader in the industry.
- Public Speaking and Advocacy: Irita has used her platform to advocate for more women in the auctioneering and antiques business. Through public speaking engagements and her own television shows, she has become an inspiration to young women looking to enter traditionally male-dominated fields.
- Recognition in the Antiques Industry: Her expertise has been recognized by fellow professionals in the antiques and auction industry, with Irita often being invited to prestigious events and auctions to lend her knowledge and skills.
Irita Marriott Net Worth and Influence
Although her exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, estimates suggest that Irita Marriott’s wealth is in the mid-six figures, potentially nearing £1 million. Her income primarily stems from her work on television, her auction house, and her public speaking engagements. As one of the most recognized faces in the British antiques world, her influence extends beyond television, with her opinion highly valued by collectors, dealers, and auction enthusiasts alike.
The Legacy of Irita Marriott
Irita Marriott’s legacy extends far beyond her time on television. She has helped to elevate the public perception of antiques and auctioneering, making it more accessible to a wider audience. Through her work, she has introduced many to the world of antiques who may not have otherwise engaged with it, encouraging a new generation of collectors and enthusiasts.
Her journey from Latvia to becoming a leading figure in the UK’s auction scene is a testament to her passion, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit. As both a television personality and a businesswoman, Irita has carved a unique path for herself, balancing her love for antiques with her desire to inspire others.
conclusion
Irita Marriott’s career trajectory is a remarkable story of self-discovery, passion for antiques, and business acumen. Through her role as a television expert, auctioneer, and business owner, she continues to impact the world of antiques and auctioneering, leaving an enduring legacy for generations to come.
