Although the five slabs are similar in appearance, each around 2 metres (6 ft 7 in) square, so approximately the height of a typical person, each differs slightly in its linear dimensions, convexity, and surface detail.

The holes may once have been polished and lacquered, to contrast with the dull exterior: they appear reflective in early photographs, but as the works are displayed outdoors they have also weathered.

In comments published in 1971 by her son-in law, the art historian Alan Bowness, Hepworth agreed that part of the motivation for the monumental work was her diagnosis with cancer of the throat in 1965.

Unlike Henry Moore, Hepworth did not usually make maquettes - small preliminary studies of the composition - before proceeding to the full-size work.

Cast 2 has been displayed in the grounds of Churchill College, Cambridge since 1968, where students are encouraged to walk or with within the work; it was allocated to the Fitzwilliam Museum in 2000, after being accepted in lieu of inheritance tax by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, from the estate of the artist.