Irita Holtsma Marriott (born in Latvia) is a British Latvian antiques specialist, television personality and businesswoman. She’s a familiar face on BBC shows such as Antiques Road Trip and Bargain Hunt, but has also made a name for herself after establishing one of the UK’s few female-run auction houses. Her story is an inspiring tale of perseverance—from a challenging childhood to earning respect within the antiques trade.
Irita Marriott – Early Life in Latvia
Irita was born in March 1984 and was raised on a small farm in Latvia. She grew up in a simple, self-sufficient family where most of the food came from farming, foraging and hunting. Childhood wasn’t easy. Her parents divorced, and the family fell on hard times.
She recalls rummaging along riverbanks for discarded food; a tough life lesson learned in early childhood about tenacity and ingenuity. Even amidst these struggles, Irita attributes her childhood for instilling in her a great work ethic and independence —two traits that helped pave the way for her future success.
Learning English and Moving Abroad
At school, one of Irita’s teachers told her that she wouldn’t go far if she couldn’t speak English. That advice stuck with her. At 20, she came to New York as an au pair, although she spoke no English; navigated her way through Parsons The New School for Design; and won the Vogue Fashion Fund in the United States. Using a dictionary and plenty of practice, she soon mastered the language. In just a few months she could speak confidently.
After two years in the United States, she intended to return home, but instead moved to England. She began with a holiday position at a garden centre, never imagining it would lead to much larger opportunities.
From Retail to Antiques
Irita worked long hours in the UK retail industry, beginning as a temporary worker before being promoted to manage the Christmas department at one of Welwyn Garden City’s garden centre. She even became a buyer, learning about sourcing products and suppliers. It was the years where she learned from business and gained the confidence.
She soon was exposed to antiques after visiting fairs—and her love of historical, decorative objects took hold in 2012. “She had begun collecting and selling antiques which quickly became more than a hobby.” She frequently woke before dawn to embark on trips across Britain and Europe to find rare finds — all while raising her two young sons.
Establishing a Career in Antiques
To gain her knowledge, Irita worked as a catalogue assistant and valuer at one of Derbyshire’s most reputable auction houses for seven years. Here, she was taught how to evaluate provenance, judge authenticity and measure value. She also expanded her network of clients and collectors. Her keen eye for rare European decorative antiques and vintage collectibles helped her secure a level of trust and respect in the market.
In a field that was primarily male-dominated, Irita was known as a self-taught and ambitious expert.
Breakthrough on Television
Irita, who had been a long-time fan of Antiques Road Trip decided to apply for the show. Sending in an application on a whim, she was given the opportunity to actually be on screen after going through auditions.
She has been an expert on Antiques Road Trip and its celebrity version, Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, as well as Bargain Hunt since 2021. Her sunny disposition and encyclopedic knowledge quickly endeared her to viewers. With TV, she is not just educating audiences about antiques but also encouraging more women into the trade and auction industry.
Launching Irita Marriott Auctioneers & Valuers
Well in 2023 Irita had yet another landmark – she set up her own business, the Irita Marriott Auctioneers & Valuers in Melbourne, Derbyshire. The start coincided with the Melbourne Festival and collectors, and consignors immediately began to take notice.
Her auction house specializes in European decorative antiques and vintage collectibles, which is a nod to her expertise. As one of the UK’s few female-led auction houses, it emphasised her position as a trailblazer in a male-dominated market. As the owner of her own business, she’s been able to marry years spent in dealing and valuing with those spent building a relationship with clients, as well as making room for other women who want to navigate the antiques trade.
Irita Marriott’s Age
Irita’s date of birth is March 1984, so in the year 2025 she is 41 years old. She is even more impressive when you consider how relatively young she is compared to other experts. In little more than a decade, she had moved from newcomer to the antiques world to national TV personality and successful business owner.
Net Worth
Irita has an estimated net worth of between £500,000 and £1 million. Her income is from many strings to her bow — antiques, the Beeb and the auction house. Her excellent earnings are well deserved, considering how she started late in the antiques industry and being an immigrant.
Antiques Expertise
Irita collects European decorative antiques, vintage collectables and fine art. Over the years, she has developed a reputation for finding rare and wonderful pieces, from furniture and artwork to curiosities. At fairs, auctions or on television, she draws upon the practical experience acquired through years woring with antiques making her a trusted figure in the business.
Entrepreneurial Success
To start her own auction house in 2023 is not just a business decision, but also a declaration of independence and leadership. It traced her transition from an employee to a leader in the field. Her venture, too, paved the way for other women to recognize themselves in the auction world.
Personal Life
Irita is a mother of two sons other than working as a professional. She resides in Derbyshire with her family She is known to keep a private life away from the limelight. And while her husband and children are largely out of the public eye, she is managing to juggle both motherhood and being a businesswoman.
Legacy and Inspiration
Irita Marriott’s story from a tiny Latvian farm to successful antiques expert and UK business owner is incredible. Her journey is a testament that through resilience, hard work and self-belief it can be possible to rise above odds and thrive in new surroundings.
Irita’s television shows and her auction house continue to influence budding antiques dealers, women in business and art history aficionados alike. Her tale isn’t just about antiques — it’s a story of perseverance and the bravery to follow your passion.
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