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She is one of television’s foremost antiques specialists who has graced our screens since 2021. Irita Marriott soared to prominence on BBC’s Bargain Hunt, swiftly captivating audiences nationwide and becoming a notable Antiques expert.
The petite powerhouse of production has since become a staple presenter on Antiques Road Trip and Antiques Roadshow. In 2023, she inaugurated her own antiques series, The Derbyshire Auction House which is returning for a second season starting May 5 on the REALLY channel.
The Latvia native on dealing with emotional attachments
As she announced her fresh installment, the mother of two disclosed the demanding aspects of the job that viewers might overlook. Speaking with our team, she revealed that dealing with emotional attachment to items is a significant part of her day-to-day. “You always have to consider emotions in everything we do,” Irita stated. “We often serve as both auctioneers and therapists because on a daily basis, individuals come through our doors who are vulnerable.”
This vulnerability, she explained, can stem from losing a loved one or possessing treasured items laden with precious memories. The host provided an illustrative example from the upcoming series, highlighting an instance where she had to support a hesitant client.
Empathy and Reassurance
Recalling the experience, she said, “We had a woman selling her mother’s belongings who was quite cautious. During the clearance, she was resolute and brave, insisting, ‘No, everything must go.’ However, afterwards, it required multiple phone calls, countless messages, and extensive communication to reassure her that these items wouldn’t be sold for mere pennies. Her items are coveted they will find new homes, rather than languishing in drawers.”
“Occasionally, it’s about walking people through the process and explaining what will happen, because if you’ve never sold anything at an auction, it can be intimidating.”
Navigating Auctioneer-Seller Dynamics
Irita further shared insights into the inherent tensions between auctioneers and sellers, particularly when pricing items. “As auctioneers, we appreciate a come-and-get-me estimate, and if there’s a sly way to use a lower estimate, we might,” she admitted.
Building Trust and Managing Expectations
The seller’s perspective often revolves around trust, ensuring they believe in the auctioneer’s honesty. Irita emphasized the importance of cultivating trust and managing expectations while avoiding the stress. “For many, this is the anxiety-inducing part, yet it’s also what makes for compelling television and remarkable auction results.”
Unique Aspects of The Derbyshire Auction House
The antiques aficionado also highlighted what sets The Derbyshire Auction House apart from other television programs. “The charm of our show lies in its authenticity—it’s real people and genuine emotions,,” she enthused, adding chiseling into the dynamics of selling precious and meaningful items
“Most of us have experienced the pain of losing someone or needing financial help, requiring us to sell valuable possessions I always tell people, consider how fortunate you are to have something of worth to sell, providing you both financial relief and a sense of new beginnings.”
The Value of Items
However, Irita cautioned that items with the highest emotional value might not yield the best auction results, noting, “Often, the items people are most emotionally attached to aren’t the most valuable. What often holds sentimental value might surprise you with their actual market worth.”