An Erith grandmother has hit out at an art exhibition held in Slade Green community library which featured a man in a gimp mask posing sexually amongst children's cuddly toys.

The private event at the library on Chrome Road was organised by Bexleyheath resident Deborah Hodge to celebrate the launch of her first book.

But the risqué exhibition has sparked complaints from residents after pictures of Ms Hodge and the Lycra clad man - taken during the daytime event - were shared on social media.

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The image which has caused offence after being shared on social media.

Tanya Palmer, 55, was so "mortified" by the picture from Ms Hodge's exhibition that she reported it to the council.

Ms Palmer, who takes her autistic granddaughter to the library daily, said: "What on earth does she [Deborah Hodge] appear to be doing in the Slade Green library of all places?

"This is where I take my grandchildren to explore and enjoy the magical works of Potter, Pratchett, Artemis Fowl, a world of fantasy and make believe.

"This isn't fantasy, this is by far and least the worst type of reality, watching a pair of grown-ups fornicate with soft toys? Even an Ann Summers catalogue would not dare to be so brash!"

Ms Palmer, a retired teacher, condemned the "graphic" display and vowed to defend her local library. 

She said: "I won't stand for this kind of nonsense in my neighbourhood, we the people need to stand up and be counted if we want this community to thrive and be free of this wanton type of distraction."

Responding to the complaints, Ms Hodge, who is also known as Cecily Baker, said the exhibition for the launch of her novel entitled "People who have nonced me", was the result of many hours of work.

The controversial display featured images of Richard Branson, whom Ms Hodge has tweeted more than 1,000 times, depicted as Jesus and adorned with cuddly toys.

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Richard Branson features in Ms Hodge's exhibition.

Ms Hodge, who hopes to stand as a Green Party parliamentary candidate, said she sexualised toys to represent the loss of childhood- a theme in her book.

The 42-year-old told News Shopper: "My work is deliberately contentious. I make absolutely no apology for that whatsoever. Behind the kitsch humour, there is a deep message. 

"The Christ like figures with his [Richard Branson's] head are not for gratuity, they are meant to evoke discussion about 'what is consumerism?'."

Ms Hodge said she has received "strong criticism" for her work, but continues to defend it, saying her next novel about gender reassignment will be even more contentious.

She added: "I stand by my work. I am glad it is creating a storm.

"I am surprised though because it seems the norm that Kim Kardashian can literally bare all in the media and is respected."

Slade Green community library is run by the charity Greener Bexley.

The charity's chairman, Jonathan Rooks, defended the artist's use of the library.

He told News Shopper: "The event was a private hire of the space while the library was closed to launch the book of a performance artist, no children were present, the attendees were friends of the artist.

"While we are sorry if other library users were offended by this artist's work , but art is a matter of taste."

Mr Rooks added: "We make space available to individuals and groups in our libraries as long as they are in accordance with the aims of the charity. We will continue to do this to help our community."