LONDON – In the popular imagination, British sexuality is often depicted as a stuffy, almost clinical matter, comically austere, an extension of the stereotype of modest, reserved Englishmen.Sticking out like a welcome burst of realistic color to offset the bland depiction British libido often suffers in works of fiction, the annual Erotica Show is arguably the world’s most popular “sex expo,” with last week’s event drawing an estimated 80,000 visitors over the course of the three days.

Exhibitions of sex toys, lingerie, bondage gear, and all manner of sexual commodities were accompanied by a range of performers, including burlesque star Dita Von Teese, who performed her signature “Martini glass” strip show.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to bring burlesque dancing into the mainstream,” Von Teese told the Agence France-Presse. “It’s such a sexy show and the perfect opportunity to fuse the art and culture of the 1930s and 1940s into the liberal mindset of 2006.”

Off stage, attendees could peruse more than 170 exhibits, check out fetish demonstrations, body art displays, human statues and various work displayed by the guild of erotic artists. Advice on sexual technique was plentiful, as well, including foreplay lessons directed at both men and women.

“Britain is a lot more liberal than people might think,” Tracey Farr, brand marketing manager for the Erotica Show, told the AFP. “Erotica is daring, decadent, fun and responsible. We’re putting to rest the myth that sex is sleazy and it shouldn’t be enjoyed. We want to offer people alternatives in their love lives.”

While many critics of erotica argue that pornography and other erotic materials ruin marriages, Farr contends that couples can (and do) make use of erotic materials to enhance their marriage.

“For example, if a couple have been together for a number of years, instead of looking on the other side and saying ‘the grass is greener’ and having an affair, we hope they can find something to rekindle their passion,” Farr said.

Farr also noted that the Erotica Show draws a wide variety of people, and makes an effort to draw couples, as opposed to catering to the presumed primary audience for erotica – single males.

“We attract and actively target couples,” Farr said. “There’s the normal, everyday high street Joe Public but also there’s the more eclectic couples, the weird and the wacky who like to dress up and are proud of their sexuality.”

“It’s so fantastic that people are starting to realize life is about sex,” said porn star Linsey Dawn Mackenzie, adding “I think Britons are beginning to accept that there’s more than just the missionary position.”