Irita Marriott: The Rising Star of British Antiques and Her Unique Connection with Margie Cooper
When it comes to antiques, two names stand out across the UK—Irita Marriott and Margie Cooper. One is a modern trailblazer redefining how we buy and sell treasures, and the other, a veteran with charm and wisdom that has educated and entertained millions. Together, they represent the old and new guard of Britain’s antique scene. But who exactly is Irita Marriott, and what connects her with the iconic Margie Cooper? Let’s dig in.
Who Is Irita Marriott?
Irita Marriott is more than just a familiar face on TV—she’s a powerhouse in the antiques world. Based in the picturesque Georgian market town of Melbourne, South Derbyshire, Irita is one of the few women in the UK to launch and run her own auction house: Irita Marriott Auctioneers, established in June 2023.
With over 11 years of experience in the antiques industry, Irita has built a trusted reputation and a loyal client base. She’s a working mum, a TV personality, and now a bold entrepreneur, breaking glass ceilings in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Irita Marriott on TV
You may recognize Irita from her television appearances, where she brings warmth, knowledge, and an eye for rare finds. Her screen credits include:
- Bargain Hunt
- Greatest Auction
- Antiques Road Trip
- Celebrity Antiques Road Trip
Her energy is contagious, her expertise is razor-sharp—and viewers love her for it.
Humble Beginnings in Latvia
Born in March 1984, Irita grew up on a self-sufficient farm in Latvia—a childhood grounded in simplicity, survival, and self-reliance. From foraging food to enduring freezing winters with little, her early life instilled a toughness and work ethic that still powers her today.
In 2004, in her early twenties, Irita made a bold move to the UK—starting from scratch in an unfamiliar country. Her first jobs were far from glamorous: a garden center, odd retail shifts… But she wasn’t afraid of hard work. She absorbed, adapted, and climbed.
Her Family Life: Grounded, Grateful, Private
Despite rising fame, Irita guards her private life carefully. She’s married—but her husband prefers to stay out of the spotlight. According to Irita, he’s been her “right hand” from the beginning, supporting her every step of the way.
Together, they’re raising two sons, and Irita makes it a point to include them in her journey. “They’re developing a love for antiques,” she’s said, often bringing them along on treasure hunts and fairs.
Work-life balance isn’t easy—but she makes it look doable. Weekdays might mean early mornings, business calls, and auctions; weekends are split between family time and antiques sourcing. And yes, sometimes those worlds overlap.
Irita Marriott Auctioneers: A Modern Twist on Tradition
Irita Marriott Auctioneers isn’t your average auction house. It’s designed to unite people with beautiful objects in a way that’s accessible and modern.
“I want to continue to unite people with beautiful objects but make it easy for them to do so by buying online at Irita Marriott Auctioneers.” — Irita Marriott
Located in Melbourne, visitors are encouraged to enjoy the area while attending valuations or appointments. With independent cafes, art galleries, Calke Abbey, and the National Forest nearby, it’s an experience that goes beyond just bidding.
Whether you’re looking to buy antique treasures or sell family heirlooms, Irita’s auction house offers a personalized, professional experience with a warm community feel. And if you prefer to browse from your couch, their online bidding system makes it easy.
Net Worth and Business Impact
While Irita’s net worth remains private, estimates based on her auction house, TV career, and antiques business place it between £500,000–£1 million.
Revenue Streams:
- Antique Sales: Her collections appeal to serious collectors and interior designers alike.
- TV Appearances: Regular expert spots bring in earnings and brand value.
- Collaborations: She’s a frequent face at top-end antique fairs and interior showcases.
Yet despite her success, Irita lives modestly. She reinvests in her business, avoids flashiness, and stays focused on delivering genuine value—both literally and professionally.
A Role Model for Late Bloomers & Women in Business
Irita’s story has struck a chord with immigrants, mothers, and late-career changers—especially women trying to break into traditional, male-led industries.
She didn’t build her life on a silver spoon or celebrity shortcuts. She built it with grit, grace, and serious hustle.
“You don’t need to have it all figured out by 25. You just need to start. The rest comes.
Fast Facts
| Fact | Details |
| Birthplace | Latvia |
| Year of Birth | 1984 (Age 41 in 2025) |
| Residence | Bristol / Melbourne, UK |
| Business | Irita Marriott Auctioneers |
| TV Shows | BBC’s Antiques Road Trip, etc. |
| Children | 2 sons |
| Specialty | Decorative European antiques |
| Known For | Sharp eye, warm charm, resilience |
Who Is Margie Cooper?
While Irita leads the new wave, Margie Cooper is one of the beloved veterans of British antiques television. A regular on Antiques Road Trip, she has been in the industry for decades. Margie started her journey as a model and journalist, later transitioning into antiques with a flair for uncovering hidden gems.
Her calm demeanor and classic style have made her a fan favorite, especially among those who appreciate the traditional, personal touch in antiques dealing.
Irita Marriott and Margie Cooper: A Tale of Two Icons
Though they come from different generations, Irita and Margie share a love for history, beauty, and storytelling through objects. Both women are proof that the antiques world thrives not only on valuation skills but also on character and connection.
While there’s no official business partnership between the two, fans of shows like Antiques Road Trip have loved watching them work alongside or in parallel—each bringing her own unique flavor to the world of buying and selling heirlooms.
Margie has paved the way. Irita is now walking boldly in those footsteps—adding modern polish, digital tools, and a fresh perspective.
Why Irita Marriott Is the Future of Antiques
In a time when everything is going digital, Irita is making sure antiques don’t get left behind. Her auction house combines old-world charm with modern convenience, making her auctions accessible to collectors worldwide.
Her social media presence, email newsletters, and streamlined digital platforms ensure buyers and sellers stay in the loop—whether they’re in Melbourne or Manhattan.
Visiting Irita Marriott Auctioneers in Melbourne
Planning a trip to Melbourne, Derbyshire? Pop into Irita Marriott Auctioneers for a free valuation or browse an upcoming auction. And while you’re there:
- Sip a latte at a local café
- Stroll through the National Forest
- Explore Calke Abbey, a historic gem
- Discover the charm of one of the UK’s most scenic market town
Final Thoughts
Irita Marriott is not just following in the footsteps of legends like Margie Cooper—she’s making her own mark. With a vision to modernize the antiques industry while honoring its roots, Irita is bringing beauty, accessibility, and passion to every auction lot.
Whether you’re a longtime collector or a curious newcomer, keep your eyes on Irita Marriott—because the future of antiques has never looked more exciting.
You can also learn about Eva Noten.
